Department for Transport

Public Transport: Greater Manchester

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government is taking to make public transport in Greater Manchester more environmentally friendly.

Jesse Norman: In 2017 the Government published the UK plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide and its supplements in 2018 setting out how the UK would reduce exceedances of NO2. Greater Manchester was one of 28 local authorities directed in 2017 to take action to reduce NO2 emissions in the shortest possible time. The Government’s £3.5bn plan includes £255 million for the Implementation Fund to support councils, and £220 million for a new Clean Air Fund to support individuals and businesses affected by local plans to improve air quality. The Government has also published its Road to Zero strategy, which sets the actions it is taking to fulfil its mission to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emission vehicles, and for all new cars and vans to be effectively zero emission by 2040. Since 2013 Greater Manchester has been awarded £3.84 million to retrofit Manchester’s buses with pollution reduction technologies through the Clean Bus Technology Fund.

A34: Oxfordshire

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2018 to Question 176638, what recent discussions his Department has held with Oxfordshire County Council on progress in delivering the A34 Lodge Hill scheme in Abingdon to the planned timescales; whether conditions on progress in delivering the project were attached to Government funding for that scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government are funding up to £9.4m to Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership between 2017/18 and 2020/21, under section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003, for the delivery of the A34 Lodge Hill Scheme. MHCLG’s Cities and Local Growth Unit require updates and proof that the scheme is on track in order to make annual payments for the grant. As MHCLG are providing the funding, the Department for Transport has not had recent meetings with the Council about this. The grant is intended to unlock up to 1700 new homes across four sites in Abingdon, relieve congestion, improve connectivity, and support economic growth to the wider Science Vale area. Highways England are meeting with Oxfordshire County Council on a regular (monthly) basis as they develop their proposal to add south-facing slips to the A34 Lodge Hill interchange. They are currently compiling the evidence needed to demonstrates that the plans will not have an adverse effect upon the safe and efficient operation of the network.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Northern Ireland

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many and which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have visited the Irish border in the last 12 months; when those visits took place; and how long they spent at the border in each of those visits.

Kelly Tolhurst: Ministers and officials from the Department at all levels have visited both Northern Ireland and Ireland regularly to gain understanding of the issues relating to the border. My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State has visited Belfast in both May and August this year, accompanied by my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. My rt. hon Friend the Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth met the Irish Minister for Business in London in June, and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Minister for Business and Industry visited Dublin in December last year.Officials working on Energy Networks and on Customs visit regularly, holding extensive meetings with local officials and businesses to understand in detail the relevant areas of concern, including the Single Electricity Market and cross-border trade. BEIS has built a clear picture of cross-border supply chains of a number of businesses (including SMEs) and East-West and North-South trade flows.In addition, Northern Ireland Office Ministers have also conducted an extensive programme of engagement in Northern Ireland on EU exit with a wide range of stakeholders.

Trading Standards: Performance Appraisal

Carolyn Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how his Department assesses the quality and quantity of work undertaken by Trading Standards Officers.

Kelly Tolhurst: Resources for local trading standards services are determined by local authorities. Each local authority trading standards service publishes its own enforcement policy having regard to the principles set out in the Regulators’ Code. It is the responsibility of individual local authorities to manage the quality and quantity of work undertaken by Trading Standards Officers.

Production: Location

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the Government is taking to encourage businesses to retain production in the UK.

Richard Harrington: Through our ambitious Industrial Strategy, we are working with industry to create the right conditions for manufacturing businesses to continue investing in the UK. That means using our record investments in infrastructure to unlock growth in every part of the country; using the major new investment in research. This includes a commitment to increase total R&D investment to 2.4% of GDP by 2027 to support innovative manufacturing businesses across the country; and encouraging inward investment. We are:  Investing £1bn through the ambitious new Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, bringing together world class UK research with business investment to develop the technologies and industries of the future; Reforming our technical education system to achieve a world-class status; Developing a National Retraining Scheme to support adults to upskill and reskill throughout their career as the economy changes; Creating the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a domestic programme of investment to boost productivity and reduce economic inequality across the country following our departure from the European Union; Working with industry to exploit opportunities highlighted in the Made Smarter Review, which identifies significant benefits to the UK from integrating digital technology into manufacturing through a strong government and industry partnership.

Self-employed

Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans the Government has to deal with the use of inaccurate classification of self-employment by companies.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Government is committed to providing greater clarity for businesses and individuals on employment status. As Matthew Taylor identified in his review, this is a complex issue and is one of the major challenges for public policy. We are considering how best to achieve change that works for all. We received over 160 detailed responses to the Employment Status Consultation. We are currently analysing the responses and will respond in due course.

Post Offices: Closures

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many UK post office closures there have been in each year since 1997.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Government recognises the critical role that post offices play in communities and for small businesses across the UK. This is why the Government committed to safeguard the post office network and protect existing rural services. The overall number of post offices across the UK remains at its most stable in decades with over 11,500 branches thanks to significant Government investment of over £2 billion since 2010.While the Government sets the strategic direction for the Post Office, it allows the company the commercial freedom to deliver this strategy as an independent business. I have therefore asked Paula Vennells, the Group Chief Executive of Post Office Limited, to write to you on this matter.

Business: Human Rights

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he has plans to publish a summary table on www.gov.uk, with periodic updates, on progress made on (a) the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and (b) additional policy commitments made by his Department on that plan.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Department, working together with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and other departments, aims to publish in due course a summary of the actions and progress within the Government’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. Our focus is on implementing the Plan as it stands and there is no intention to review it before 2020. Any future development of the Plan must be informed by wide consultations and the Government welcomes discussions with business and civil society organisations about our approach and the delivery of commitments under the Plan.

Post Offices: Closures

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will stop the closure of post offices and their relocation to WHSmith branches.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Government recognises the important role that post offices play in communities across the country. That is why we made a Manifesto commitment to safeguard the Post Office network and have invested over £2 billion since 2010. As a result, the post office network is at its most stable in decades at over 11,500 branches and 99.7% of the national population lives within three miles of their nearest branch.The vast majority of Post Office branches are run on a franchise or agency basis with almost 98% already operating successfully. This business model has helped securing key services on high streets whilst reducing need for taxpayer subsidy.

Trading Standards: Enforcement

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department plans to undertake a review of the enforcement powers of National Trading Standards and Trading Standards Scotland.

Kelly Tolhurst: National Trading Standards (NTS) and Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) do not have enforcement powers of their own but work with local authority trading standards services to take enforcement action.The Government consulted on changes to ensure local and national enforcers work within an effective framework for protecting consumers, in the Green Paper “Modernising Consumer Markets”. The Department will respond in due course.

Agency Workers: Conditions of Employment

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to publish a response to submissions received in his Department's consultation on the recommendations made in the Matthew Taylor Review of modern employment practices regarding agency workers which closed on 9 May 2018.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Government is carefully considering the responses to all four consultations and will respond in due course.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Human Rights and Environment Protection

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to help prevent the (a) mis-treatment, (b) imprisonment and (c) execution of (i) human rights defenders and (i) environmental defenders throughout the world; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Field: In 2017 the then Foreign Secretary issued a revised version of the UK Guidelines on Working with Human Rights Defenders to the diplomatic network. In addition, all Human Rights Priority Countries are required to have a Human Rights Strategy, that includes support for human rights defenders working on the range of human rights, including those related to the environment. Depending on the local context, this might involve making public statements, attending trials, or working privately with the host government. Funding for projects through the Magna Carta Fund, further supports the work of the diplomatic network in supporting human rights defenders. The UK also works through the multilateral system, to develop consensus among members for the protection of all human rights defenders, including protection against reprisals, arbitrary detention and violence. It is the long-standing policy of the UK, to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances, as a matter of principle.

Slavery

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the Government's strategy to end modern slavery includes specific objectives on supporting human rights defenders.

Mark Field: ​The UK’s support for Human Rights Defenders does not differentiate between the various aspects of rights they work on. The UK Guidelines on Working with Human Rights Defenders, ask all UK diplomatic missions to look for opportunities to work with and support human rights defenders across all aspects of their work, including Modern Slavery.

Dzenyagha Thomas Awah

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his counterparts in Cameroon on the detention and treatment of the journalist Dzenyagha Thomas Awah.

Harriett Baldwin: The UK has repeatedly raised the issue of political detainees (including journalists) with the Government of Cameroon, calling for their release and for legal and humanitarian access by groups such as the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC). Access was recently granted for the ICRC to see 47 Anglophone detainees who had been extradited from Nigeria in January.The British Government strongly supports press freedom and the rule of law, both of which are fundamental to any democratic society. All journalists must therefore be allowed to work freely and without intimidation.

Turkey: Cyprus

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his counterparts in Turkey on that country's plans to further increase the presence of Turkish armed forces on the island of Cyprus.

Sir Alan Duncan: ​We are aware of recent comments made by President Erdogan. To date, we are not aware of any such increase in the Turkish troop presence. We continue to believe that the best means of addressing the complex issues surrounding the island's division, is through a comprehensive settlement.

UN General Assembly

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many London-based officials from his Department accompanied Ministers to the meetings of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2018; and if he will publish the job descriptions of those officials.

Mark Field: ​36 members of staff from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office accompanied Ministers to the UN General Assembly Ministerial Week in New York. These officials ranged from senior officials, who represented the UK at events, to subject specialists who supported the delivery of UK-led events.

UN General Assembly

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the (a) total, (b) travel, (c) accommodation and (d) expenses costs were of the visit by (a) Ministers and (b) officials of his Department to the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2018.

Mark Field: This information is not held centrally and to compile it would incur disproportionate cost.

Burma: Peace Negotiations

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Myanmar counterpart on the ongoing peace process between ethnic-minority armed groups and the government of that country; and what the timeframe is for the next round of talks under the framework of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conferences.

Mark Field: Our British Ambassador to Burma, discussed the national peace process with the Minister of the Office of State Counsellor on 9 August. He attended the most recent Panglong Peace Conference in July 2018, and met a range of parties to the National Ceasefire Agreement, to express UK support for negotiations towards a peace settlement. The Burmese government has said it plans to hold a further three peace conferences by the end of 2019.

Burma: Peace Negotiations

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what progress has been made on the 30 per cent target for representation of women in the ongoing peace process between ethnic-minority armed groups in Myanmar and the government of that country as first set out following the first Union Peace Conference in January 2016.

Mark Field: According to figures released by the Burmese Government, 13% of participants at the first Panglong Peace Conference in 2016 were women. At the second Panglong Peace Conference in 2017, 20% of participants were women and for the third Panglong it was 22%. Burma remains a focus country for the UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2018 - 2022 which underlines that women being part of a peace process improves the chances for a lasting peace.

Burma: Islam

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of efforts by (a) Facebook and (b) other social media websites to combat the proliferation of hate speech directed against Muslim minorities in Myanmar.

Mark Field: ​The Government continues to be deeply concerned by hate speech against minorities in Burma, including Muslims, Christians, and particularly the Rohingya. The Government welcomes Facebook's decision to remove accounts and ban individuals and organisations following publication of the report of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Burma. Our Embassy works with local partners in Burma to tackle hate speech and misinformation online. Our Ambassador discussed the impact of social media on intercommunal relations, and the necessity of interfaith dialogues in his meeting with the Minister for Religious Affairs on 9 August.

English Language: Assessments

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the (a) pass and (b) fail rates are for the International English Language Testing System by (i) country and (ii) test centre.

Mark Field: The British Council have advised that there are no set percentage pass or fail rates for the International English Lanugaue Testing Sytem (IELTS) exams. It is up to the organisations who accept the tests to decide their entry score requirements.IELTS is an independent organisation and is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Assessment.

Saudi Arabia: Conferences

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether representatives of the UK Government plan to attend the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh.

Alistair Burt: Officials from our embassies in the region will represent the UK, including Her Majesty's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia: Conferences

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether any Government ministers are confirmed to attend the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in October 2018.

Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for International Trade has decided the time is not right for him to attend the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh on 23 October. Officials from our embassies in the region will represent the UK, including Her Majesty's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Human Rights: Business

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the (a) membership and (b) remit of the Cross-Whitehall Steering Group on Business and Human Rights is; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Field: ​The Cross-Whitehall Steering Group on Business and Human Rights is chaired jointly by officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for Business Energy and Industry Strategy and is attended by representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Department for International Trade, UK Export Finance, the Home Office, the Department for International Development, the Department for Exiting the European Union, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Government Equalities Office, the Department for Communities and Local Government, Crown Commercial Services, and with the Devolved Administrations. It builds on the commitments which the UK Government made in response to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights report 'Human Rights and Business 2017: Promoting responsibility and ensuring accountability'.

Human Rights: Business

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, on how many occasions the cross-Whitehall steering group on business and human rights has met since the publication of the updated National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

Mark Field: Since the update of the National Action Plan, the Cross-Whitehall Steering Group on Business and Human Rights has met five times and also liaise between its meetings.

Human Rights: Business

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and (b) UK businesses on updating the national action plan on business and human rights after the UK leaves the EU.

Mark Field: Our shared focus is implementing the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights as it stands and on sustaining the UK's high standards in protection of human rights. There is no intent to review the Plan before at least 2020. Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy officials liaise frequently on the Plan and its implementation. We are clear that any future development of the Plan, must be informed by wide consultations, including with business representatives, about our approach and the delivery of commitments, so officials intend new engagement early in the New Year.

Human Rights: Business

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the implementation of the updated national action plan on business and human rights of the UK leaving the EU; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Field: Foreign and Commonwealth officials discuss the implementation of the National Action Plan regularly at working level, with officials from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, and through the Cross-Whitehall Steering Group on Business and Human Rights, taking all relevant developments into account.

Jamal Khashoggi

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Saudi counterpart on the disappearance of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Alistair Burt: ​We are very concerned by the reports of the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi on 9 October. The Foreign Secretary and I conveyed this message to the Saudi Ambassador to the UK. The Foreign Secretary also spoke to the Saudi Foreign Minister on 9 October and met the Turkish Foreign Minister on 15 October. A joint statement from the Foreign Secretary and his French and German counterparts was issued on 14 October stating their grave concerns and calling for a complete and detailed investigation.

Israel: Bedouin

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations the Government has made to the Government of Israel on the demolition order against Khan al Ahmar village in the West Bank since the beginning of September; and (a) on what dates and (b) to whom those representations were made.

Alistair Burt: I raised our concerns about the proposed demolition of Khan al-Ahmar with the Israeli Ambassador to the UK on 11 October. ​Our Ambassador to Israel raised the issue with the Israeli authorities on 3 October. Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv raised our concerns with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 6 September.

National Cyber Security Centre: Recruitment

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many people have been recruited by the National Cyber Security Centre in each of the last two years.

Sir Alan Duncan: The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) was established formally on 3 October 2016. At that time, the NCSC had a team of approximately 700 people. For reasons of National Security, we will not be providing further releases on staff numbers and recruitment.

National Cyber Security Centre: Staff

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many people were employed by the National Cyber Security Centre in each of the last two years.

Sir Alan Duncan: The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) was established formally on 3 October 2016. At that time, the NCSC had a team of approximately 700 people. For reasons of National Security, we will not be providing further releases on staff numbers and recruitment.

Joe Robinson

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2018 to Question 176249 on Joe Robinson, for what reason the British Government has not made a public demand for the (a) release or (b) extradition of Joe Robinson; and whether it is the policy of the Government to ensure the timely return to the UK of Joe Robinson.

Sir Alan Duncan: We have raised Mr Robinson’s case at the highest levels and will continue to do all we can to support Mr Robinson and his family. We approach each consular case in a way that we judge is most likely to best support the needs of the individual. However, we cannot interfere in another country’s independent judicial process, just as we would not expect them to interfere in ours. The UK can only seek extradition of any individual when they are wanted for a crime in the UK, and a prosecuting authority decides to make a request.

Middle East: Minority Groups

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of trends in the treatment of non-recognised minorities in countries in the Middle East.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Human Rights and Democracy report gives our annual assessment on the situation of human rights internationally, including in the Middle East. We are committed to ensuring the protection of human rights of all minority communities, combating religious intolerance and promoting pluralism in society. We raise these issues regularly with partner countries in the region.

Iran: Christianity

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the level of freedom of religion or belief of Christians in Iran; and what recent assessment he has made of the level of freedom of religion or belief of people in Iran who have converted to Christianity (a) in the UK before and (b) after having been returned to Iran from the UK.

Alistair Burt: The treatment of Christians and other religious minorities in Iran is concerning. The latest report from the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran published in September 2018 describes discrimination faced by religious minorities, such as the denial of access to university and to employment opportunities, discriminatory access to basic services including health care, and underrepresentation in public affairs. We regularly raise human rights with the Iranian Government, including the treatment of Christians in that country, and we continue to take action with the international community to press Iran to improve its poor record on all human rights issues.

Department of Health and Social Care

Palliative Care: Children

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much money has been spent from the public purse on palliative care services for children in (a) Wirral (b) the North West and (c) the South East in each of the last eight years.

Caroline Dinenage: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 11 October 2018.The correct answer should have been:

No specific assessment has been made of provision or patient population in Wirral or the north west. As with the vast majority of NHS services, the funding and commissioning of palliative and end of life care, is a local matter, over which individual National Health Service commissioners have responsibility. Local commissioners are best placed to understand the needs of local populations and commission services to meet those needs accordingly. The only exception to this are a small number specialist paediatric palliative care inpatient services, commissioned nationally by NHS England from ten centres eight centres across England as part of its remit to deliver specialised services. Much of the routine palliative care patients receive will be provided either in outpatient or community settings, by nurses, community teams or general practitioners as part of general NHS services provision, rather than as an identified palliative care service. In such services, data are either not available or does not identify palliative treatment. In addition, social and voluntary sector organisations can provide additional support to patients at the end of life. Therefore, figures for the total cost of palliative care service for children nationally, or across local areas, is not available. Decisions regarding referral to local palliative care services will be made on the basis of clinical need. The following table shows information regarding funding provided via the Children’s Hospice Grant to hospices in the North and in Wirral over the last eight years. Nationally, children’s hospices are receiving £11 million in 2018/19 through the Children’s Hospice Grant, which is awarded annually and administered by NHS England.  North westWirral2011/12£1,522,944£353,3062012/13£1,522,944£353,3062013/14£1,562,576£353,3062014/15£1,562,576£362,5002015/16£1,562,576£362,5002016/17£1,562,576£362,5002017/18£1,562,576£362,5002018/19£1,562,576£362,500 Notes: - The children’s hospice grant programme provides a general contribution to the operating costs for hospices. It does not pay for actual services for patients in specified areas. Therefore, it is not possible to reconcile the grant payment to actual activity delivered within any geographical area. Neither does the grant pay specifically for specialised or non-specialised services as it is a general contribution.- For this analysis for the grant figure for the North West includes Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria based hospices.- The Wirral figure is for a single hospice.- Local NHS commissioners also provide funding to children’s hospices which is a mixture of grant funding and activity based payments. Due to the low value of this funding this is not routinely recorded and so is not readily available.- Local authorities also provide some funding to some hospices, but this information is not held by NHS England.

Caroline Dinenage: No specific assessment has been made of provision or patient population in Wirral or the north west. As with the vast majority of NHS services, the funding and commissioning of palliative and end of life care, is a local matter, over which individual National Health Service commissioners have responsibility. Local commissioners are best placed to understand the needs of local populations and commission services to meet those needs accordingly. The only exception to this are a small number specialist paediatric palliative care inpatient services, commissioned nationally by NHS England from ten centres eight centres across England as part of its remit to deliver specialised services. Much of the routine palliative care patients receive will be provided either in outpatient or community settings, by nurses, community teams or general practitioners as part of general NHS services provision, rather than as an identified palliative care service. In such services, data are either not available or does not identify palliative treatment. In addition, social and voluntary sector organisations can provide additional support to patients at the end of life. Therefore, figures for the total cost of palliative care service for children nationally, or across local areas, is not available. Decisions regarding referral to local palliative care services will be made on the basis of clinical need. The following table shows information regarding funding provided via the Children’s Hospice Grant to hospices in the North and in Wirral over the last eight years. Nationally, children’s hospices are receiving £11 million in 2018/19 through the Children’s Hospice Grant, which is awarded annually and administered by NHS England.  North westWirral2011/12£1,522,944£353,3062012/13£1,522,944£353,3062013/14£1,562,576£353,3062014/15£1,562,576£362,5002015/16£1,562,576£362,5002016/17£1,562,576£362,5002017/18£1,562,576£362,5002018/19£1,562,576£362,500 Notes: - The children’s hospice grant programme provides a general contribution to the operating costs for hospices. It does not pay for actual services for patients in specified areas. Therefore, it is not possible to reconcile the grant payment to actual activity delivered within any geographical area. Neither does the grant pay specifically for specialised or non-specialised services as it is a general contribution.- For this analysis for the grant figure for the North West includes Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria based hospices.- The Wirral figure is for a single hospice.- Local NHS commissioners also provide funding to children’s hospices which is a mixture of grant funding and activity based payments. Due to the low value of this funding this is not routinely recorded and so is not readily available.- Local authorities also provide some funding to some hospices, but this information is not held by NHS England.

Palliative Care: Children

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce the time taken to provide child patients in the north west of England with palliative care.

Caroline Dinenage: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 11 October 2018.The correct answer should have been:

No specific assessment has been made of provision or patient population in Wirral or the north west. As with the vast majority of NHS services, the funding and commissioning of palliative and end of life care, is a local matter, over which individual National Health Service commissioners have responsibility. Local commissioners are best placed to understand the needs of local populations and commission services to meet those needs accordingly. The only exception to this are a small number specialist paediatric palliative care inpatient services, commissioned nationally by NHS England from ten centres eight centres across England as part of its remit to deliver specialised services. Much of the routine palliative care patients receive will be provided either in outpatient or community settings, by nurses, community teams or general practitioners as part of general NHS services provision, rather than as an identified palliative care service. In such services, data are either not available or does not identify palliative treatment. In addition, social and voluntary sector organisations can provide additional support to patients at the end of life. Therefore, figures for the total cost of palliative care service for children nationally, or across local areas, is not available. Decisions regarding referral to local palliative care services will be made on the basis of clinical need. The following table shows information regarding funding provided via the Children’s Hospice Grant to hospices in the North and in Wirral over the last eight years. Nationally, children’s hospices are receiving £11 million in 2018/19 through the Children’s Hospice Grant, which is awarded annually and administered by NHS England.  North westWirral2011/12£1,522,944£353,3062012/13£1,522,944£353,3062013/14£1,562,576£353,3062014/15£1,562,576£362,5002015/16£1,562,576£362,5002016/17£1,562,576£362,5002017/18£1,562,576£362,5002018/19£1,562,576£362,500 Notes: - The children’s hospice grant programme provides a general contribution to the operating costs for hospices. It does not pay for actual services for patients in specified areas. Therefore, it is not possible to reconcile the grant payment to actual activity delivered within any geographical area. Neither does the grant pay specifically for specialised or non-specialised services as it is a general contribution.- For this analysis for the grant figure for the North West includes Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria based hospices.- The Wirral figure is for a single hospice.- Local NHS commissioners also provide funding to children’s hospices which is a mixture of grant funding and activity based payments. Due to the low value of this funding this is not routinely recorded and so is not readily available.- Local authorities also provide some funding to some hospices, but this information is not held by NHS England.

Caroline Dinenage: No specific assessment has been made of provision or patient population in Wirral or the north west. As with the vast majority of NHS services, the funding and commissioning of palliative and end of life care, is a local matter, over which individual National Health Service commissioners have responsibility. Local commissioners are best placed to understand the needs of local populations and commission services to meet those needs accordingly. The only exception to this are a small number specialist paediatric palliative care inpatient services, commissioned nationally by NHS England from ten centres eight centres across England as part of its remit to deliver specialised services. Much of the routine palliative care patients receive will be provided either in outpatient or community settings, by nurses, community teams or general practitioners as part of general NHS services provision, rather than as an identified palliative care service. In such services, data are either not available or does not identify palliative treatment. In addition, social and voluntary sector organisations can provide additional support to patients at the end of life. Therefore, figures for the total cost of palliative care service for children nationally, or across local areas, is not available. Decisions regarding referral to local palliative care services will be made on the basis of clinical need. The following table shows information regarding funding provided via the Children’s Hospice Grant to hospices in the North and in Wirral over the last eight years. Nationally, children’s hospices are receiving £11 million in 2018/19 through the Children’s Hospice Grant, which is awarded annually and administered by NHS England.  North westWirral2011/12£1,522,944£353,3062012/13£1,522,944£353,3062013/14£1,562,576£353,3062014/15£1,562,576£362,5002015/16£1,562,576£362,5002016/17£1,562,576£362,5002017/18£1,562,576£362,5002018/19£1,562,576£362,500 Notes: - The children’s hospice grant programme provides a general contribution to the operating costs for hospices. It does not pay for actual services for patients in specified areas. Therefore, it is not possible to reconcile the grant payment to actual activity delivered within any geographical area. Neither does the grant pay specifically for specialised or non-specialised services as it is a general contribution.- For this analysis for the grant figure for the North West includes Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria based hospices.- The Wirral figure is for a single hospice.- Local NHS commissioners also provide funding to children’s hospices which is a mixture of grant funding and activity based payments. Due to the low value of this funding this is not routinely recorded and so is not readily available.- Local authorities also provide some funding to some hospices, but this information is not held by NHS England.

Palliative Care: Children

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of provision of children's palliative care in (a) the north west and (b) Wirral in each of the last eight years.

Caroline Dinenage: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 11 October 2018.The correct answer should have been:

No specific assessment has been made of provision or patient population in Wirral or the north west. As with the vast majority of NHS services, the funding and commissioning of palliative and end of life care, is a local matter, over which individual National Health Service commissioners have responsibility. Local commissioners are best placed to understand the needs of local populations and commission services to meet those needs accordingly. The only exception to this are a small number specialist paediatric palliative care inpatient services, commissioned nationally by NHS England from ten centres eight centres across England as part of its remit to deliver specialised services. Much of the routine palliative care patients receive will be provided either in outpatient or community settings, by nurses, community teams or general practitioners as part of general NHS services provision, rather than as an identified palliative care service. In such services, data are either not available or does not identify palliative treatment. In addition, social and voluntary sector organisations can provide additional support to patients at the end of life. Therefore, figures for the total cost of palliative care service for children nationally, or across local areas, is not available. Decisions regarding referral to local palliative care services will be made on the basis of clinical need. The following table shows information regarding funding provided via the Children’s Hospice Grant to hospices in the North and in Wirral over the last eight years. Nationally, children’s hospices are receiving £11 million in 2018/19 through the Children’s Hospice Grant, which is awarded annually and administered by NHS England.  North westWirral2011/12£1,522,944£353,3062012/13£1,522,944£353,3062013/14£1,562,576£353,3062014/15£1,562,576£362,5002015/16£1,562,576£362,5002016/17£1,562,576£362,5002017/18£1,562,576£362,5002018/19£1,562,576£362,500 Notes: - The children’s hospice grant programme provides a general contribution to the operating costs for hospices. It does not pay for actual services for patients in specified areas. Therefore, it is not possible to reconcile the grant payment to actual activity delivered within any geographical area. Neither does the grant pay specifically for specialised or non-specialised services as it is a general contribution.- For this analysis for the grant figure for the North West includes Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria based hospices.- The Wirral figure is for a single hospice.- Local NHS commissioners also provide funding to children’s hospices which is a mixture of grant funding and activity based payments. Due to the low value of this funding this is not routinely recorded and so is not readily available.- Local authorities also provide some funding to some hospices, but this information is not held by NHS England.

Caroline Dinenage: No specific assessment has been made of provision or patient population in Wirral or the north west. As with the vast majority of NHS services, the funding and commissioning of palliative and end of life care, is a local matter, over which individual National Health Service commissioners have responsibility. Local commissioners are best placed to understand the needs of local populations and commission services to meet those needs accordingly. The only exception to this are a small number specialist paediatric palliative care inpatient services, commissioned nationally by NHS England from ten centres eight centres across England as part of its remit to deliver specialised services. Much of the routine palliative care patients receive will be provided either in outpatient or community settings, by nurses, community teams or general practitioners as part of general NHS services provision, rather than as an identified palliative care service. In such services, data are either not available or does not identify palliative treatment. In addition, social and voluntary sector organisations can provide additional support to patients at the end of life. Therefore, figures for the total cost of palliative care service for children nationally, or across local areas, is not available. Decisions regarding referral to local palliative care services will be made on the basis of clinical need. The following table shows information regarding funding provided via the Children’s Hospice Grant to hospices in the North and in Wirral over the last eight years. Nationally, children’s hospices are receiving £11 million in 2018/19 through the Children’s Hospice Grant, which is awarded annually and administered by NHS England.  North westWirral2011/12£1,522,944£353,3062012/13£1,522,944£353,3062013/14£1,562,576£353,3062014/15£1,562,576£362,5002015/16£1,562,576£362,5002016/17£1,562,576£362,5002017/18£1,562,576£362,5002018/19£1,562,576£362,500 Notes: - The children’s hospice grant programme provides a general contribution to the operating costs for hospices. It does not pay for actual services for patients in specified areas. Therefore, it is not possible to reconcile the grant payment to actual activity delivered within any geographical area. Neither does the grant pay specifically for specialised or non-specialised services as it is a general contribution.- For this analysis for the grant figure for the North West includes Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria based hospices.- The Wirral figure is for a single hospice.- Local NHS commissioners also provide funding to children’s hospices which is a mixture of grant funding and activity based payments. Due to the low value of this funding this is not routinely recorded and so is not readily available.- Local authorities also provide some funding to some hospices, but this information is not held by NHS England.

Hospices: Children

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the trends in the level of funding for the children's hospice grant in the (a) north west and (b) Wirral.

Caroline Dinenage: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 11 October 2018.The correct answer should have been:

No specific assessment has been made of provision or patient population in Wirral or the north west. As with the vast majority of NHS services, the funding and commissioning of palliative and end of life care, is a local matter, over which individual National Health Service commissioners have responsibility. Local commissioners are best placed to understand the needs of local populations and commission services to meet those needs accordingly. The only exception to this are a small number specialist paediatric palliative care inpatient services, commissioned nationally by NHS England from ten centres eight centres across England as part of its remit to deliver specialised services. Much of the routine palliative care patients receive will be provided either in outpatient or community settings, by nurses, community teams or general practitioners as part of general NHS services provision, rather than as an identified palliative care service. In such services, data are either not available or does not identify palliative treatment. In addition, social and voluntary sector organisations can provide additional support to patients at the end of life. Therefore, figures for the total cost of palliative care service for children nationally, or across local areas, is not available. Decisions regarding referral to local palliative care services will be made on the basis of clinical need. The following table shows information regarding funding provided via the Children’s Hospice Grant to hospices in the North and in Wirral over the last eight years. Nationally, children’s hospices are receiving £11 million in 2018/19 through the Children’s Hospice Grant, which is awarded annually and administered by NHS England.  North westWirral2011/12£1,522,944£353,3062012/13£1,522,944£353,3062013/14£1,562,576£353,3062014/15£1,562,576£362,5002015/16£1,562,576£362,5002016/17£1,562,576£362,5002017/18£1,562,576£362,5002018/19£1,562,576£362,500 Notes: - The children’s hospice grant programme provides a general contribution to the operating costs for hospices. It does not pay for actual services for patients in specified areas. Therefore, it is not possible to reconcile the grant payment to actual activity delivered within any geographical area. Neither does the grant pay specifically for specialised or non-specialised services as it is a general contribution.- For this analysis for the grant figure for the North West includes Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria based hospices.- The Wirral figure is for a single hospice.- Local NHS commissioners also provide funding to children’s hospices which is a mixture of grant funding and activity based payments. Due to the low value of this funding this is not routinely recorded and so is not readily available.- Local authorities also provide some funding to some hospices, but this information is not held by NHS England.

Caroline Dinenage: No specific assessment has been made of provision or patient population in Wirral or the north west. As with the vast majority of NHS services, the funding and commissioning of palliative and end of life care, is a local matter, over which individual National Health Service commissioners have responsibility. Local commissioners are best placed to understand the needs of local populations and commission services to meet those needs accordingly. The only exception to this are a small number specialist paediatric palliative care inpatient services, commissioned nationally by NHS England from ten centres eight centres across England as part of its remit to deliver specialised services. Much of the routine palliative care patients receive will be provided either in outpatient or community settings, by nurses, community teams or general practitioners as part of general NHS services provision, rather than as an identified palliative care service. In such services, data are either not available or does not identify palliative treatment. In addition, social and voluntary sector organisations can provide additional support to patients at the end of life. Therefore, figures for the total cost of palliative care service for children nationally, or across local areas, is not available. Decisions regarding referral to local palliative care services will be made on the basis of clinical need. The following table shows information regarding funding provided via the Children’s Hospice Grant to hospices in the North and in Wirral over the last eight years. Nationally, children’s hospices are receiving £11 million in 2018/19 through the Children’s Hospice Grant, which is awarded annually and administered by NHS England.  North westWirral2011/12£1,522,944£353,3062012/13£1,522,944£353,3062013/14£1,562,576£353,3062014/15£1,562,576£362,5002015/16£1,562,576£362,5002016/17£1,562,576£362,5002017/18£1,562,576£362,5002018/19£1,562,576£362,500 Notes: - The children’s hospice grant programme provides a general contribution to the operating costs for hospices. It does not pay for actual services for patients in specified areas. Therefore, it is not possible to reconcile the grant payment to actual activity delivered within any geographical area. Neither does the grant pay specifically for specialised or non-specialised services as it is a general contribution.- For this analysis for the grant figure for the North West includes Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria based hospices.- The Wirral figure is for a single hospice.- Local NHS commissioners also provide funding to children’s hospices which is a mixture of grant funding and activity based payments. Due to the low value of this funding this is not routinely recorded and so is not readily available.- Local authorities also provide some funding to some hospices, but this information is not held by NHS England.

Palliative Care: Children

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the number of children requiring palliative care in the (a) Wirral and (b) north west in each of the last eight years.

Caroline Dinenage: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 11 October 2018.The correct answer should have been:

No specific assessment has been made of provision or patient population in Wirral or the north west. As with the vast majority of NHS services, the funding and commissioning of palliative and end of life care, is a local matter, over which individual National Health Service commissioners have responsibility. Local commissioners are best placed to understand the needs of local populations and commission services to meet those needs accordingly. The only exception to this are a small number specialist paediatric palliative care inpatient services, commissioned nationally by NHS England from ten centres eight centres across England as part of its remit to deliver specialised services. Much of the routine palliative care patients receive will be provided either in outpatient or community settings, by nurses, community teams or general practitioners as part of general NHS services provision, rather than as an identified palliative care service. In such services, data are either not available or does not identify palliative treatment. In addition, social and voluntary sector organisations can provide additional support to patients at the end of life. Therefore, figures for the total cost of palliative care service for children nationally, or across local areas, is not available. Decisions regarding referral to local palliative care services will be made on the basis of clinical need. The following table shows information regarding funding provided via the Children’s Hospice Grant to hospices in the North and in Wirral over the last eight years. Nationally, children’s hospices are receiving £11 million in 2018/19 through the Children’s Hospice Grant, which is awarded annually and administered by NHS England.  North westWirral2011/12£1,522,944£353,3062012/13£1,522,944£353,3062013/14£1,562,576£353,3062014/15£1,562,576£362,5002015/16£1,562,576£362,5002016/17£1,562,576£362,5002017/18£1,562,576£362,5002018/19£1,562,576£362,500 Notes: - The children’s hospice grant programme provides a general contribution to the operating costs for hospices. It does not pay for actual services for patients in specified areas. Therefore, it is not possible to reconcile the grant payment to actual activity delivered within any geographical area. Neither does the grant pay specifically for specialised or non-specialised services as it is a general contribution.- For this analysis for the grant figure for the North West includes Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria based hospices.- The Wirral figure is for a single hospice.- Local NHS commissioners also provide funding to children’s hospices which is a mixture of grant funding and activity based payments. Due to the low value of this funding this is not routinely recorded and so is not readily available.- Local authorities also provide some funding to some hospices, but this information is not held by NHS England.

Caroline Dinenage: No specific assessment has been made of provision or patient population in Wirral or the north west. As with the vast majority of NHS services, the funding and commissioning of palliative and end of life care, is a local matter, over which individual National Health Service commissioners have responsibility. Local commissioners are best placed to understand the needs of local populations and commission services to meet those needs accordingly. The only exception to this are a small number specialist paediatric palliative care inpatient services, commissioned nationally by NHS England from ten centres eight centres across England as part of its remit to deliver specialised services. Much of the routine palliative care patients receive will be provided either in outpatient or community settings, by nurses, community teams or general practitioners as part of general NHS services provision, rather than as an identified palliative care service. In such services, data are either not available or does not identify palliative treatment. In addition, social and voluntary sector organisations can provide additional support to patients at the end of life. Therefore, figures for the total cost of palliative care service for children nationally, or across local areas, is not available. Decisions regarding referral to local palliative care services will be made on the basis of clinical need. The following table shows information regarding funding provided via the Children’s Hospice Grant to hospices in the North and in Wirral over the last eight years. Nationally, children’s hospices are receiving £11 million in 2018/19 through the Children’s Hospice Grant, which is awarded annually and administered by NHS England.  North westWirral2011/12£1,522,944£353,3062012/13£1,522,944£353,3062013/14£1,562,576£353,3062014/15£1,562,576£362,5002015/16£1,562,576£362,5002016/17£1,562,576£362,5002017/18£1,562,576£362,5002018/19£1,562,576£362,500 Notes: - The children’s hospice grant programme provides a general contribution to the operating costs for hospices. It does not pay for actual services for patients in specified areas. Therefore, it is not possible to reconcile the grant payment to actual activity delivered within any geographical area. Neither does the grant pay specifically for specialised or non-specialised services as it is a general contribution.- For this analysis for the grant figure for the North West includes Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria based hospices.- The Wirral figure is for a single hospice.- Local NHS commissioners also provide funding to children’s hospices which is a mixture of grant funding and activity based payments. Due to the low value of this funding this is not routinely recorded and so is not readily available.- Local authorities also provide some funding to some hospices, but this information is not held by NHS England.

Department of Health and Social Care: Northern Ireland

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have visited the Irish border in the last 12 months; when those visits took place; and how long they spent at the border in each of those visits.

Caroline Dinenage: There have been no visits to the Irish border by Ministers or officials at the Department in the last 12 months.

Department of Health and Social Care: Brexit

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to publish his Department's preparation for no deal.

Stephen Barclay: We have already published a series of 77 technical notices so that businesses and citizens have time to prepare in the event of a 'no deal' scenario. These are available on gov.uk in a centralised location that is easy for people to access and use.

Department of Health and Social Care: Staff

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what change there has been in staffing levels in his Department since June 2016.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department’s staffing levels have decreased by 474 people since June 2016. The Department’s headcount is publicly available up until March 2018 at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dh-monthly-workforce-information The total headcounts for March-August 2018 are: DateGrand Total  (workforce numbers) HeadcountFull Time EquivalentMarch 20181,6371574.47April 20181,6331571.19May 20181,6291567.02June 20181,6291567.02July 20181,7361668.92August 20181,5941538.49

Smoking

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what comparative assessment he has made of the effect on peoples health of (a) vaping and (b) smoking.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the use of vape products to help people stop smoking.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to evidence from Public Health England that the risks to health associated with the use of vape products are significantly less than for smoking, what steps he is taking to permit vape products to be used indoors.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department provides support to local stop smoking services that want to promote vaping.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will take steps to make smokers aware of the relative public health benefits of vaping instead of smoking.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which (a) Department and (b) agency has responsibility for the provision of information on vaping products to smokers.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department is taking steps to encourage smokers to take up vaping as a method of quitting smoking.

Steve Brine: The Government has consistently highlighted that quitting smoking and nicotine use completely is the best way to improve health. E-cigarettes are not risk free. However, the evidence is increasingly clear that e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful to health than smoking tobacco, and can help smokers to quit, particularly when combined with stop smoking services. In the Tobacco Control Plan for England published in July 2017, the Government committed Public Health England (PHE) to updating its evidence report on e-cigarettes and other novel nicotine delivery systems annually until the end of the Parliament in 2022. PHE’s latest report was published on 6 February 2018 and is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/684963/Evidence_review_of_e-cigarettes_and_heated_tobacco_products_2018.pdf PHE’s evidence review argues that e-cigarette use, alone or in combination with licensed medication and behavioural support from a stop smoking service, appears to be helpful in the short term, and that e-cigarettes have contributed to tens of thousands of additional quitters from smoking in England. The PHE evidence review concluded that “to date there have been no identified health risks of passive vaping to bystanders”. PHE has produced guidance for organisations on developing appropriate vaping policies for public places and workplaces. Such policies should be based on the evidence and support smokers to quit while managing any identified risks. If local stop smoking services wish to discuss vaping as a tool to stop smoking they are able to do so. Both PHE and the National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training have provided advice to support this. PHE has committed to include messages about the relative safety of e-cigarettes within quit smoking campaigns such as during the annual Stoptober campaign. The United Kingdom Government transposed the EU Tobacco Products Directive into UK legislation through the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. This legislation covers e-cigarettes and vaping liquids and requires producers who supply or intend to supply electronic cigarettes or refill containers to notify the Secretary of State in accordance with the regulations. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is the competent authority for the notification scheme for e-cigarettes and refill containers in the UK. A list of products that have been notified to the MHRA is available on gov.uk. The Tobacco Control Plan for England, published in July 2017, committed the Government to seek to support consumers in stopping smoking and adopting the use of less harmful nicotine products. PHE provides advice on quitting smoking and has highlighted the potential role of e-cigarettes in doing so. PHE’s latest Health Matters blog ‘Stop Smoking: What Works?’ provides advice to smokers on different options to help them quit, including e-cigarettes as well as nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medicines. This is available at the following link: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/category/health-matters/

Electronic Cigarettes

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the UK will continue to include vaping products as tobacco products in the EU Tobacco Products Directive after the EU leaves the UK.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 after the UK leaves the EU.

Steve Brine: Vaping products are covered by the European Union Tobacco Products Directive which has been implemented into United Kingdom domestic law through the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. The Government will introduce legislation to ensure that existing tobacco control legislation continues to operate effectively after EU exit. Under s58 of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 the Government is required to carry out and publish a review of the legislation by May 2021. As announced in the Tobacco Control Plan the Government will review where the UK’s exit from the EU offers us opportunities to re-appraise current regulation to ensure this continues to protect the nation’s health.

Tobacco

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what comparative assessment his Department has made of the effect on people's health of the use of (a) Snus and (b) tobacco.

Steve Brine: The Department has made no such assessment.

Mental Illness: Cumbria

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many GP and Child and adolescent mental health services appointments were requested for children under the age of eighteen years in Cumbria for (a) depression, (b) anxiety and (c) eating disorders in each of the last ten years.

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many (a) GP and (b) Child and adolescent mental health services appointments were delivered for children in Cumbria under the age of eighteen for a) depression b) anxiety c) eating disorders each year for the last ten years.

Matt Hancock: The information is not held in the format requested.

Haemophilia: Medical Treatments

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 4 September 2018 to Question 167276 on haemophilia: medical treatments, whether those savings have been reinvested in supporting the haemophilia community; and whether any savings in the devolved nations of the UK have accrued to (a) NHS England or (b) the devolved administrations.

Steve Brine: The National Health Service achieves savings across all clinical services, and reinvests those savings within its overall expenditure limits set by parliament. The NHS does not usually ring fence funding for specific patient groups, but considers its funding responsibilities for all patients based on all sources of funding, including procurement savings. Savings from medicines used by the devolved administrations remain within those administrations.

NHS: Negligence

Martin Vickers: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the report on the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts consultation by NHS Litigation Authority, published in October 2016, what progress has been made in assessing the methodology used to determine contributions setting to the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts from NHS and non-NHS health providers.

Stephen Barclay: The NHS Litigation Authority (NHS LA), known as NHS Resolution since 1 April 2017, handles clinical negligence claims on behalf of National Health Service organisations and independent sector providers of NHS care in England.NHS Resolution has provided the following response.Following the consultation on the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) in 2016, NHS Resolution has begun work on the findings. Two main areas of research have been whether staffing and activity are an appropriate measure of exposure to risk. NHS Resolution found that, amongst other providers of clinical negligence indemnity cover internationally, activity levels are a key feature of quantitative pricing approaches. An assessment of numbers of types of staff and their experience were more likely to be used in a qualitative review to adjust the price charged to providers of clinical care.NHS Resolution also looked at maternity-related data sets to refine the approach to exposure so that it reflects indicators of safety. Studies of several available data sets were made, but were not found to be reliable indicators of exposure to risk to inform CNST pricing arrangements. An approach focused on incentivising the delivery of actions considered good practice by the NHS England Maternity Champions, other arm’s length bodies and the Royal Colleges, was developed and implemented from December 2017.Since the consultation, other adjustments have been made to the CNST pricing methodology with respect to experience and exposure factors, the treatment of older and larger liabilities, and the appropriateness of breaking down the risk pool between smaller groups in line with the consultation response. Research to assess the efficacy of excesses has not been progressed.

NHS: Negligence

Martin Vickers: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the report on the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) consultation by NHS Litigation Authority, published in October 2016, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that there is no gap in CNST cover when a patient is treated by an independent provider on behalf of the NHS.

Stephen Barclay: The NHS Litigation Authority, known as NHS Resolution from 1 April 2017, handles clinical negligence claims on behalf of National Health Service organisations and independent sector providers of NHS care in England. NHS Resolution has provided the following response. Independent providers of NHS healthcare became eligible to join the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts, administered by NHS Resolution on behalf of the Secretary of State, from 1 April 2013 in respect of their NHS work. Membership is not compulsory and providers may still purchase commercial insurance cover against clinical negligence liabilities if they wish to do so. It is the obligation of commissioners to ensure that providers have adequate indemnity or insurance cover.

Breast Cancer: Screening

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy to establish automatic reminders to be sent to women over the age of 70 to take part in breast screening every three years.

Steve Brine: Regular screening for breast cancer over the age of 70 falls outside the current screening recommendation however, it is available on request. Women over the age of 70 are encouraged to self-refer directly to a breast screening clinic or to contact their general practitioners who can organise screening on their behalf; more details can be found at:http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/breastscreen/over-70.html

Eating Disorders

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with (a) eating disorder units and (b) GPs throughout the country on the use of weight metrics to diagnose eating disorders; and if he will support the #DumpTheScales campaign.

Matt Hancock: I have not met with eating disorder units or discussed eating disorders with general practitioners to date. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines published in May 2017 state:- Initial assessments in primary and secondary mental health care: Do not use single measures such as Body Mass Index (BMI) or duration of illness to determine whether to offer treatment for an eating disorder; and- Inpatient and day patient treatment: Do not use absolute weight or BMI as a threshold when deciding whether to admit people with an eating disorder to day patient or inpatient care. Commissioners and health professionals including general practitioners are expected to follow NICE guidelines when diagnosing and treating eating disorders. The NICE guidelines on eating disorders can be found on the NICE website at the following link: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng69

NHS: Finance

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding his Department has allocated to the purchase of new (a) reserves of blood stocks and tissues, (b) ventilated beds and (c) non-porous bags for the storage and transportation of corpses in (i) 2019-20, (ii) 2018-19, (iii) 2017-18 and (iv) 2016-17.

Matt Hancock: The Department does not allocate funding for blood stocks and tissues ventilated beds or non-porous bags for the storage and transportation of corpses.

Palliative Care: Children

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2018 to Question 176002 on Palliative Care: Children, what the locations are of the eight centres commissioned nationally by NHS England as part of its remit to deliver specialised paediatric palliative care services.

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2018 to Question 76002 on Palliative Care: Children, what the value of funding was that was allocated to the eight centres for the delivery of specialised paediatric palliative care services.

Caroline Dinenage: There are 10 centres across the country currently delivering children’s specialised palliative care services. These are: - Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust;- Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust;- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust;- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust;- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust;- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust;- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust;- Shrewsbury And Telford Hospital NHS Trust;- Taunton And Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; and- University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. Given the way in which paediatric specialised palliative care is commissioned, it is not possible to separate or break down the related expenditure at each of the 10 hospitals from within the NHS England accounts. In the previous answer given on 11 October, we incorrectly stated that there were eight centres which deliver specialised paediatric palliative care services. NHS England has advised that that the correct figure is 10 centres and we will arrange for the record to be corrected.

NHS: Pensions

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the cost to NHS employers of increasing the employer contribution to the NHS Pension Scheme as a result of the reduction in the SCAPE discount rate in each of the next three fiscal years; and whether his Department has plans to fund the cost of the increased contribution in each of those years.

Stephen Barclay: Alongside the long-term funding settlement for the National Health Service, HM Treasury committed to providing additional funding to meet costs arising from the current actuarial valuation of the NHS Pension Scheme. This was previously estimated to be £1.25 billion a year. The Government has committed to fund any further cost pressure arising from actuarial revaluations within the five-year period of the settlement, should it be higher than £1.25 billion.

Ophthalmology

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his Department's policies of the report from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Eye Health and Visual Impairment on capacity issues in eye care in England published in June 2018.

Steve Brine: The Department is carefully considering the recommendations of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Eye Health and Visual Impairment report ‘See the Light: improving capacity in NHS eye care in England’, and our response to those recommendations, alongside NHS England.

Health Services: Immigrants

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Written Statement of 11 October 2018 on Immigration health surcharge, HCWS995, how the figure of around £470 for the average annual cost of NHS usage by people paying the immigration health surcharge was calculated.

Stephen Barclay: The Department has reviewed the cost to the National Health Service in England of treating those who pay the surcharge, and estimates that the NHS spends on average £470, per surcharge payer, per annum. The Department looked at actual data on surcharge-payers who use the NHS and their length of stay in the United Kingdom between April 2015 and December 2017 inclusive, and estimated the NHS costs of treating the average surcharge payer. The estimated average primary and secondary care cost across all surcharge payers including those who did not access health services was around £470 per person per annum.

Influenza: Vaccination

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2018 to Question 177605 on Influenza: Vaccination, for what reason his Department took the decision to phase the 2018-19 season's flu vaccine between September and November 2018.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2018 to Question 177602 on Influenza: Vaccination, for what reason deliveries of flu vaccinations from the manufacturer are being staggered to providers during September to November.

Steve Brine: In 2018/19 adjuvanted trivalent flu vaccine (aTIV) is the recommended vaccine for people aged 65 years and over. Deliveries of the vaccine will be phased by the manufacturer to all customers; 40% in September, 20% in October, and 40% in the first half of November 2018. aTIV will give better protection against flu to those aged 65 years and over. To meet the additional demand resulting from using the most effective vaccine, that is aTIV, the manufacturer increased planned production and delivery to providers across the United Kingdom will be phased. The start of the influenza season varies each year, usually from December onwards. Overall 7.9 million doses have been ordered in England (general practice and pharmacy total) so there is enough vaccine in the system to meet anticipated demand.

Influenza: Vaccination

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2018 to Question 177604 on Influenza: Vaccination, what proportion of those vaccines are supplied by each company outlined in that Answer.

Steve Brine: Information on the proportion of vaccines supplied by each pharmaceutical company is not available and the volume is commercially sensitive.

Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 10 September 2018 to Question 170887 on Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry, when his Department will respond to findings and recommendations made in the Child Migration Programmes report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse; and if he will make a statement.

Matt Hancock: We are currently carefully considering the findings and recommendations made in the Child Migration Programmes report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and will respond in due course.

Medical Records

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish his Department's contractual guidance on the (a) access to and (b) use of data collected by private companies that have contracts with the NHS.

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his Department has spent on accessing data from (a) health authorities and (b) private sector companies that have (i) independently gathered information and data and (ii) gathered information through contracts with the NHS in each of the last three years.

Stephen Barclay: In responding to these questions the following distinction is drawn:- Private providers who bid for and win contracts to provide National Health Service funded health care; and- Private providers who provide non-NHS funded health care to private patients, funded by the individual or their private health insurer. Private companies that are awarded contracts to provide NHS services are bound by the same obligations as public providers of NHS care regarding the provision of data for secondary uses. Where a national data collection is established, all contracted providers, whether privately or publicly owned, are required to respond in accordance with the collection guidance issued for that individual collection. The NHS Standard Contract Service terms and conditions require all contracted providers to meet obligations to provide data. Collections from private providers of NHS health care are not separately addressed, funded or accounted for. There is a specific obligation on all providers whether publicly or privately owned, to comply with data submissions required from NHS Digital. As there is no separation of approach NHS Digital cannot determine how much is spent on accessing data collected from private providers of NHS contracts. For data collected by private health providers during non-NHS funded care episodes (i.e. privately funded by the individual or funded via private health insurance), NHS Digital do not gather any data currently. Work is under way with the Private Health Information Network to consider this.

Mental Health Services: Children and Young People

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the conclusion in the the National Audit Office report entitled Improving children and young people’s mental health services, published in October 2018, that the Government’s current plans will not deliver the Future in Mind proposals in full.

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policies of the conclusions of report, Improving children and young people’s mental health services, published by the National Audit Office in October 2018 in relation to the absence of explicit objectives for proposals from Future in Mind on early intervention and resilience.

Matt Hancock: This programme is at the half way point and available data suggests the Government is on track to deliver the headline commitment for at least 70,000 additional children and young people each year to access evidence based treatment by 2020/21. With regards to improving early intervention and resilience, the Government has recently set ambitions for identifying and supporting young people with mental health problems at an earlier stage through bringing education and mental health closer together. These proposals are set out in ‘Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health Provision: a green paper’. We have begun recruitment of Educational Mental Health practitioners’, who will staff new Mental Health Support Teams in schools as set out in the Green Paper, with training places now open for 210 new staff. Training will start from January 2019.

Mental Health Services: Children and Young People

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what (a) steps his Department is taking and (b) funding his Department has allocated to implement the proposals contained in the report, Future in Mind, Promoting, protecting and improving our children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, published by his Department and NHS England in 2015; what progress his Department has made on implementing those proposals; and if he will make a statement.

Matt Hancock: Since publication of Future in Mind the Government has committed to transform services and increase access to specialist mental health services for an additional 70,000 children and young people a year by 2020/21. This is being delivered through the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health, which is at the half way point and available data suggests the Government is on track to deliver against this target. The Five Year Forward View also introduced two waiting time standards for children and young people. The first aims for 95% of children (up to 19 years old) with eating disorders to receive treatment within a week for urgent cases and four weeks for routine cases. The second is that 50% of patients of all ages experiencing a first episode of psychosis receive treatment within two weeks of referral. We are currently exceeding or on track to meet these waiting time standards. The Government made an additional £1.4 billion available over the course of 2015/16-2020/21 to support this transformation, of which £150 million was for improved eating disorders services. ‘Transforming children and young people’s mental health provision: a green paper’, published jointly with the Department for Education will cost £300 million and will provide increased support for children and young people. As part of this we are setting up new Mental Health Support Teams to deliver mental health interventions for those with mild to moderate needs in or close to schools and colleges (and refer those with more severe needs on to specialist services). Educational Mental Health practitioners’ training places are now open for 210 new staff. Training will start from January 2019. We will ensure that at least one teacher in every primary and secondary school will receive mental health awareness training to enable school staff to spot common signs of mental health issues, and to help children and young people receive appropriate support. We have also committed to piloting a four week waiting time for access to specialist children and young people’s mental health services.

Mental Health Services: Children and Young People

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking in response to the conclusions of the report entitled Improving children and young people’s mental health services, published by the National Audit Office in October 2018, that the Government does not have cross-government accountability arrangements in place to ensure Future in Mind is delivered as intended.

Matt Hancock: As set out in the National Audit Office report itself, the ambitions and deliverables from Future in Mind are delivered through the Five Year Forward View which has its own governance arrangements alongside reporting and performance frameworks to assure delivery. Progress against the key NHS commitments set out within the Five Year Forward View Mental Health (FYFV MH) is tracked using the publicly available FYFV MH Dashboard available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/mental-health-five-year-forward-view-dashboard/

Health Services: Children and Young People

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to publish data on the number of non-NHS staff working in children and young people’s services.

Stephen Barclay: NHS Digital publishes Independent Healthcare Provider Workforce Statistics on a bi-annual basis, however this publication does not currently go down to the level of independent providers of children and young people’s services and there are no firm plans to publish information to this level of detail.

Suicide

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many local authorities have suicide prevention plans in place; and what steps he is taking to ensure that those plans are effective.

Matt Hancock: 149 local authorities have a multi-agency suicide prevention plan in place. The remaining three local authorities are in the process of developing their plans, and Public Health England is supporting these final local authorities to have their plans in place as soon as possible. The Department is working in collaboration with the local government sector to support areas to implement and embed their suicide prevention plans within their communities. The process started this month and will help to identify areas for improvement for local plans and areas of best practice which can be shared across the local government sector. This process will also be used to inform a programme of mutual support over the next two to three years to enable local areas to learn from each other and to further develop their plans.

Haemophilia: Medical Treatments

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to commissioning criterion 6b of NHS England’s Criteria for the Prescribing of Enhanced Half-Life Blood Factors, published in September 2016; for what reason a maximum conversion ratio from Standard Half Life to EHL products was set; and whether a patient that achieved higher trough levels than before from a narrower conversion ratio would be switched back to their previous regimen.

Steve Brine: The maximum conversion ratios were provided by clinical experts based on their experience of managing the clinical needs of most patients. Clinicians manage individual patients to achieve bleed control in line with the British Society of Haematology for trough levels, and bleed levels. The maximum conversion ratios apply only when switching from standard half-life (SHL) Factor IX (FIX) to and enhanced half-life (EHL) FIX. They do not apply when switching from an EHL FIX to an SHL FIX. Depending on individual patient need, it is possible that a patient could be switched to a previous or alternative regimen to achieve a target trough level greater than 1%.

Haemophilia: Medical Treatments

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the paper entitled, The cost of severe haemophilia in Europe: the CHESS study published in the Orphanet journal of rare diseases in 2017, what assessment his Department has made of the reasons for (i) outcomes for patients and (ii) investment in treatments are lower in the UK than other EU5 countries; and what steps he is taking to improve treatment outcomes in the UK.

Steve Brine: No such assessment has been made. The cost of blood factor products in the United Kingdom reflect successful commercial activities on price and clinical management such as universal access to prophylactic treatment regimens. These commercial activities enable the UK to achieve value for money when investing in providing access to treatment. The UK attracts many clinical studies in haemophilia, including those for new drugs or therapies which reduce the need for factor products altogether, based on its success in respect of managing haemophilia with prophylactic regimens.

Haemophilia: Medical Treatments

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the World Federation of Haemophilia’s annual global survey, published in 2016, for what reason (a) Factor VIII and (b) Factor IX consumption per capita is lower in the UK than Ireland; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of UK levels of factor (i) VIII and (ii) IX consumption to deliver appropriate outcomes for patients.

Steve Brine: NHS England commissions treatments for haemophilia A and haemophilia B, and other bleeding disorders, according to the current British Society for Haematology clinical guidelines. Commissioned services report outcomes via a quality dashboard. Based on the data, NHS England considers that haemophilia population outcomes are adequate, and therefore has not undertaken an assessment of the adequacy of factor levels. This will continue to be monitored as new data becomes available.

Haemophilia: Medical Treatments

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the timescale for the completion of the tenders for (a) Factor VIII and (b) Factor IX blood products.

Steve Brine: The current Commercial Medicines Unit (CMU) framework agreements that cover the stated products run from the following dates and have the following expiry dates and extension options: - NHS Framework Agreement for the Supply of Recombinant Factor VIII products for the treatment of bleeding disorders – commencement date 1 February 2018 / expiry date 31 January 2019 with options to extend up to a further 17 months. The CMU are working towards extending this framework agreement;- NHS National Framework Agreement for the supply of Human Cell Line Recombinant Factor VIII products for the treatment of bleeding disorders – commencement date 1 July 2016 / expiry date 31 January 2019 with options to extend up to a further 17 months. The CMU are working towards extending this framework agreement;- NHS National Framework Agreement for the supply of Recombinant Factor IX Blood Clotting Factors – commencement date 1 September 2016 / expiry date 28 February 2019 with options to extend up to a further 18 months. This framework is due to be re-tendered with the anticipated publication date of the OJEU Notice being early November 2018, tender timescales will be dependent on when this notice is issued; and- NHS Framework Agreement for the supply of products for the treatment of bleeding disorders – commencement date 1 July 2018 / expiry date 30 June 2019 with options to extend up to a further 36 months.

Haemophilia: Medical Treatments

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to commissioning criterion 6b of NHS England’s Criteria for the Prescribing of Enhanced Half-Life Blood Factors, published in September 2016, what assessment he has made of the appropriateness of maximum conversion ratios for children; and if he will direct NHS England to introduce a higher maximum conversion ratio for children as a result of their higher factor IX usage per kg of body weight.

Steve Brine: NHS England’s criteria for the Prescribing of Enhanced Half-Life Blood Factors were produced by clinical experts. The conversion ratio is applied in the situation of switching a patient from a standard half-life Factor IX (FIX) to an enhanced half-life FIX. As higher doses of FIX may be just as likely in paediatric patients, regardless of whether the FIX is a standard or enhanced half-life product, the conversion ratios accommodate higher doses (on a unit per kilo gram bodyweight basis) if these are clinically indicated for the patient, irrespective of age. On this basis, NHS England does not have any current plans to amend the conversion ratios.

Attorney General

Jon Venables

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Attorney General, what information about the whereabouts of Jon Venables who was convicted of the murder of James Bulger in 1993 has been released by his Department to the media.

Robert Buckland: The Attorney General’s Office has complied with the terms of the court injunction that prohibits the publication of information purporting to identify this individual or his past, present or future whereabouts.

Jon Venables

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Attorney General, what information his Department holds on the publication of the location of Jon Venables in open court (a) by and (b) on behalf of his Department.

Robert Buckland: The Attorney General’s Office does not hold transcripts of previous court proceedings relating to the original granting of this injunction or subsequent applications relating to it. Any publication by the media of anything said in open court must comply with the terms of the injunction.

Jon Venables

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Attorney General, with reference to the injunction granted by the Family Division of 22 June 2001 in relation to Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, what policies and procedures his Department has put in place to ensure that officials responsible for authorising the release of information relating to Jon Venables are compliant with that injunction.

Robert Buckland: Through staff training and knowledge management, the Attorney General’s Office has policies in place to ensure compliance with all anonymity orders, including those related to Jon Venables and Robert Thompson.

Jon Venables

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Attorney General, if he will publish the job titles and grades of officials in his Department that (a) have been and (b) are currently responsible for ensuring that communications in relation to Jon Venables are compliant with the injunction granted by the Family Division on 22 June 2001.

Robert Buckland: The Attorney General’s Office Legal and Communications teams deal with a range of cases. All staff are aware of the terms of this injunction and the need to ensure that any communications comply with those terms.

Knives: Crime

Jim Shannon: To ask the Attorney General, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Northern Ireland on the prosecution of knife crime in different parts of the UK.

Robert Buckland: The Director of Public Prosecutions regularly meets with her counterpart in Northern Ireland to discuss common issues. The Attorney General will be travelling to Northern Ireland during October to meet with the Northern Ireland Attorney General.The Government has a published the Serious Violence Strategy to take action to address serious violence including the recent increases in knife crime. The CPS is working with its cross-Government partners to deliver the Strategy, and also supports the police enforcement to tackle knife crime through its Operation Sceptre.

Rape: Prosecutions

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Attorney General, what changes have been made to CPS charging thresholds in cases of rape; and for what reasons such thresholds have been changed.

Robert Buckland: There has been no change of approach or policy in how prosecutors should make charging decisions in rape cases. It has always been the case that decisions are made in accordance with the Full Code Test.The growth in the volume of digital evidence is complicating the gathering and analysis of evidence. To address the increasing complexity of cases we have introduced new guidance to help police and prosecutors with reasonable lines of enquiry and communications evidence. The National Disclosure Improvement Plan sets out further measures to ensure the proper processes are followed.

Department for International Development

Yemen: Humanitarian Aid

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment she has made of the humanitarian situation in Yemen; and if she will make a statement.

Alistair Burt: The UK remains deeply concerned by the humanitarian crisis in Yemen - the largest in the world. Over 22 million people - 75% of the population - are in need of humanitarian assistance, with 8.4 million people at risk of starvation across the country. Yemen relies on imports to meet 90% of its basic needs like food and fuel. As such, it is critical that all parties facilitate the flow of food and fuel into and throughout the country.We are also extremely concerned by the rapid depreciation of the Yemeni Riyal – which has lost over 40% of its value since July. This is driving increased humanitarian need as families are less able to afford to buy available food.The UK has consistently been one of the largest donors to the crisis, committing £570 million in response since the conflict began in 2015. We will continue to push for a political solution to the conflict - the only way to bring long-term stability to Yemen and end the humanitarian crisis.I recently hosted an event on malnutrition in Yemen at the UN General Assembly on 25 September with UN agencies, donors and NGOs. Together we launched a Call to Action including a three year plan of commitments to tackle malnutrition in Yemen.The UK continues to respond to humanitarian crisis in Yemen and will keep the situation under close review.

Syria: Migrant Camps

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps the Government is taking to facilitate aid deliveries to Rukban camp in Syria; and what representations have been made to his counterparts in (a) Syria and (b) Jordan on conditions in that camp.

Alistair Burt: The UK has been a leading voice among donors highlighting the plight of displaced Syrians at the Rukban camp. In particular, we continue to lobby all parties for full humanitarian access to the camp, to enable regular aid deliveries. We understand that a humanitarian convoy from Damascus to Rukban has now been approved to deliver life-saving aid to people in need at Rukban Camp over the coming weeks. We call on all parties to ensure this takes place and provides the assistance these people badly need. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Department for Education

Schools: Greater London

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding for (a) secondary schools and (b) primary schools in (i) Lewisham Deptford constituency, (ii) London Borough of Lewisham and (iii) London.

Nick Gibb: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 11 September 2018.The correct answer should have been:

The table below shows funding per pupil and percentage gains in total funding allocated through the national funding formula (NFF) for 2019-20 for primary and secondary schools in London, the London Borough of Lewisham, the Lewisham, Deptford constituency and England. The calculations in the table do not include any additional funding for pupil growth, which will be calculated later this year. Total Ffunding per pupil and percentage gains in total funding per pupil allocated through the national funding formula[1] RegionPrimary[2]Secondary[3] £ per pupil in 2019-10% change compared£ per pupil in 2019-10% change compared to 2017-18 baselinesto 2017-18 baselinesLewisham, Deptford£5,2761.00%£6,7431.40%Lewisham£5,1460.80% 0.6%£6,8280.80% 1.9%London[4]£4,7891.70%£6,2412.60%England£4,1662.70%£5,3593.30% The NFF allocates at least 1% more in pupil-led funding for every pupil in 2019-20, compared to 2017-18 baselines. The table shows changes in total funding, including both pupil-led and school-led funding. In some areas, including Lewisham, total funding will grow slightly less than the minimum 1% increase in pupil-led funding when combined with the school-led funding element in the National Funding Formula. London remains the highest funded area in the country. As at March 2018, 87 per cent of schools in London are now rated as good or outstanding. Nationally, there are 1.9 million more pupils now taught in good or outstanding schools than in 2010, representing 86 per cent of pupils compared to 66% in 2010. In 2019-20, Lewisham has the 12th highest primary unit of funding nationally, and the 11th highest secondary unit of funding of all local authorities.  [1] The calculations in the table do not include any additional funding for pupil growth, which will be calculated later this year.[2] * Primary funding includes funding for primary and middle-deemed primary schools.[3] Secondary funding includes funding for secondary, middle-deemed secondary and all-through schools.[4] This includes funding for schools in Inner and Outer London.

Nick Gibb: The table below shows funding per pupil and percentage gains in total funding allocated through the national funding formula (NFF) for 2019-20 for primary and secondary schools in London, the London Borough of Lewisham, the Lewisham, Deptford constituency and England. The calculations in the table do not include any additional funding for pupil growth, which will be calculated later this year. Total Ffunding per pupil and percentage gains in total funding per pupil allocated through the national funding formula[1] RegionPrimary[2]Secondary[3] £ per pupil in 2019-10% change compared£ per pupil in 2019-10% change compared to 2017-18 baselinesto 2017-18 baselinesLewisham, Deptford£5,2761.00%£6,7431.40%Lewisham£5,1460.80% 0.6%£6,8280.80% 1.9%London[4]£4,7891.70%£6,2412.60%England£4,1662.70%£5,3593.30% The NFF allocates at least 1% more in pupil-led funding for every pupil in 2019-20, compared to 2017-18 baselines. The table shows changes in total funding, including both pupil-led and school-led funding. In some areas, including Lewisham, total funding will grow slightly less than the minimum 1% increase in pupil-led funding when combined with the school-led funding element in the National Funding Formula. London remains the highest funded area in the country. As at March 2018, 87 per cent of schools in London are now rated as good or outstanding. Nationally, there are 1.9 million more pupils now taught in good or outstanding schools than in 2010, representing 86 per cent of pupils compared to 66% in 2010. In 2019-20, Lewisham has the 12th highest primary unit of funding nationally, and the 11th highest secondary unit of funding of all local authorities.  [1] The calculations in the table do not include any additional funding for pupil growth, which will be calculated later this year.[2] * Primary funding includes funding for primary and middle-deemed primary schools.[3] Secondary funding includes funding for secondary, middle-deemed secondary and all-through schools.[4] This includes funding for schools in Inner and Outer London.

Primary Education: Lancashire

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the effect of the new school funding formula on primary schools in Lancashire; and how many schools will receive (a) increased funding and (b) reduced funding compared with the 2017-18 financial year.

Nick Gibb: Holding answer received on 16 October 2018



Under the national funding formula (NFF) all schools, including primary schools in Lancashire, will attract at least 1% more funding per pupil in 2019-20 compared to 2017-18, up from 0.5% this year. Based on 2019-20 notional NFF allocations, 372 primary schools in Lancashire will attract an overall increase in funding, and 110 schools will see a decrease. Because we update allocations based on the latest pupil data, including increases and decreases in pupil numbers, some schools attract less than in previous years. Overall, primary schools in Lancashire will attract an average of £4,111 per pupil in 2019-20, which is an increase of 2.3% or an additional £92 per pupil, compared to 2017-18 funding levels. To provide stability, local authorities continue to be responsible for distributing the funding they receive through the NFF to schools in their areas. This means the actual amount that schools receive may differ from the amount they attract through the NFF.

Teachers: Bexley

Sir David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the pupil to teacher ratio was in primary schools in (a) the Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and (b) Bexley Borough in each year since 2010.

Nick Gibb: The following table provides pupil to teacher ratios, calculated using both qualified and unqualified teachers, in state funded primary schools (excluding nursery schools) in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and Bexley local authority from November 2011 to 2017. These figures are not available for 2010.Pupil to teacher ratios[1] Primary Schools Bexleyheath and CrayfordBexley2011[2]23.922.5201220.921.0201321.721.6201420.921.22015[3]21.921.82016[4]23.022.8201722.322.0 Source: School Workforce Census and Pupil Census [1] Pupil Teacher Ratios are calculated by dividing the total Full Time Equivalent (FTE) number of pupils on roll in schools in each year by the total number of FTE teachers in schools in each year. Where schools are not open on Census day (January) they are excluded. See School Workforce Census methodology document for further information: Methodology: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/719857/SWFC_MethodologyDocument_.pdf.[2] Figures for Bexley exclude 2 out of 58 schools that did not provide a return for teachers.[3] Figures for Bexley exclude 1 out of 57 schools that did not provide a return for teachers.[4] Figures for Bexley exclude 1 out of 57 schools that did not provide a return for teachers.

Apprentices: Disadvantaged

Ben Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to encourage young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake apprenticeships.

Anne Milton: We want to ensure that high quality apprenticeships are a prestigious option, accessible to all people from all backgrounds. We are encouraging take up from under-represented groups so that even more people can benefit from the increased wage and employment prospects that apprenticeships offer. The latest phase of our marketing campaign, Get In Go Far, ran until the end of September 2018 and coincided with August's exam results period when young people look at the options available to them after school or college. This aimed to help increase the number of vacancies created by employers and encourage young people to choose an apprenticeship as a high quality career route, signposting them to new vacancies on offer. Our funding policy recognises where additional support is necessary, through extra funding where the costs of supporting an apprentice are higher, making sure these costs are met by the government, not by the employer. For example, we provide £1,000 to both employers and training providers when they take on 16 to 18 year olds and 19 to 24 year olds who were in care or who have an Education, Health and Care Plan. Earlier this year, we introduced a new bursary for care leavers starting apprenticeships. This £1,000 bursary is available to all care leavers aged 16 to 24 and is paid directly to the apprentice. To further social mobility and to make sure that a higher quality outcome for individuals is achieved, we want our reforms to mean more apprentices from disadvantaged areas are undertaking apprenticeships at a higher level, or in sectors that offer increasing value to the learner. Over the next two years, the National Apprenticeship Service is focusing on raising the value of apprenticeships undertaken in disadvantaged areas. This includes a broad-based employer engagement campaign across the 20 per cent most deprived local authority areas (65 areas in total) and working with local partners. We are also increasing the take up of degree apprenticeships through the Degree Apprenticeship Development Fund. In 2017-18, as part of the bidding process, we specifically encouraged bids that improve access to Degree Apprenticeships for disadvantaged and under-represented groups and bids that expand provision in science, technology, engineering and maths occupations (STEM) and gender diversity in STEM.

Pre-school Education: Expenditure

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much funding from the public purse maintained nursery schools have been allocated in each of the last five years.

Nadhim Zahawi: Local authorities are responsible for setting the local funding for providers, including maintained nursery schools. The department publishes data from local authority planned early years budget in the Early Years Funding Benchmarking Tool. The tool provides a breakdown of spend by early years provider types, including budget information for maintained nursery schools. The data is as reported by the local authorities and is available at: 2017-18:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-benchmarking-tool. 2016-17:http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20171012013325/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-benchmarking-tool. 2015-16:http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20161210043156/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-benchmarking-tool. 2014-15:http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20150603151716/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-benchmarking-tool. 2013-14:http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140801043110/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-benchmarking-tool. The Early Years Funding Benchmarking tool for 2018-19 will be published in due course. In recognition of the costs that Maintained Nursery Schools (MNSs) experience over and above other providers, we are providing supplementary funding – additional to funding received under the Early Years National Funding Formula (EYNFF) – of around £60 million a year to enable local authorities to protect MNSs pre-EYNFF funding levels at least until 2019-20. In addition, some MNSs are commissioned by local authorities and others to provide specific services such as continuing professional development for other early years providers. The department does not hold information about this income for nursery schools.

Social Services: Children

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many private meetings the Minister has had with for-profit organisations on children's social care since the beginning of his appointment.

Nadhim Zahawi: The department meets regularly with a wide range of organisations, including charities, local authorities and for-profit organisations, regarding children's social care. The department has met with the following for-profit organisations regarding how they can support improved outcomes for children:techUKAmazonSpectraPublicNational Fostering Agency

Social Services: Staff

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the number of people who continue to work in the social work profession after five years having (a) completed a (i) Bachelor's and (ii) Master's degree at a British university and (b) participated in the Step Up to Social Work programme.

Nadhim Zahawi: The Department for Education does not have the data requested. However, we are seeking to improve the data available on retention in the profession through the launch of a new large-scale longitudinal study of child and family social workers in England which will launch this autumn and follow the careers of participants over five years. The ‘Evaluation of Step Up to Social Work, cohorts 1 and 2: 3-years and 5-years on’, published in May this year, reports that 73% of the first cohort who qualified in March 2012 were still in child and family social work after five years. The evaluation report can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/step-up-to-social-work-evaluation-after-3-and-5-years. We also have a research project currently underway tracking the retention and progression of cohorts four and five until 2020. A further round of applications to ‘Step Up to Social Work’ will open in February with participants starting training in January 2020.

Schools: Bereavement Counselling

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of the services in schools for children who experience a bereavement; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The Government has made no specific assessment of the services in schools for children who experience a bereavement. In 2017, the Department published a nationally representative survey of the mental health support provided in schools and colleges. This included a number of qualitative reports on different aspects of practice, including some guidance to schools on supporting children experiencing a bereavement. The reports can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-mental-health-in-schools-and-colleges.This research informed the green paper, 'Transforming children and young people’s mental health provision' which was published in December 2017. In the green paper, the Department reiterated its commitment to update the 'Mental Health and Behaviour in Schools' advice. The updated advice will build on the key messages from Tom Bennett’s 2017 report 'Creating a Culture'. It will provide a source of information on how trauma and adverse childhood experiences such as bereavement can affect individual children, and how schools can adapt their approach to support these pupils; the updated advice will be published later this year. The full report can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/behaviour-in-schools.

Home Education

Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when he plans to publish a response to his Department's call for evidence on home education.

Anne Milton: The call for evidence closed on 2 July 2018 and responses are still being analysed. A formal government response document will be published in due course.

Students: Visas

Dame Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the effect of a requirement for EU students to obtain Study Visas on student numbers in (A) universities and (b) English Language Teaching after the UK has left the EU; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Sam Gyimah: EU students make a powerful contribution to our world-class higher education sector. The government wants that contribution to continue and we are confident – given the quality of our higher education sector – that it will. We are similarly committed to the English language teaching sector and recognise the opportunities and value this brings to institutions in both the UK and abroad.The government is undertaking a comprehensive and wide-ranging programme of ongoing analysis in support of our EU exit negotiations and preparations. In addition, the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recently published its report on the impact of international students in the UK, which highlighted the important part that international students play in the UK education sector, the economy and our society. The MAC report will inform our decision-making and we will consider their recommendations carefully before setting out further detail on the UK’s future immigration system; the government plan to publish a white paper on the future immigration system later this year.In the meantime, to help provide certainty for prospective students and the sector, we have given assurances on student finance for EU students starting courses in 2019/20 academic year or before. We have also reached an agreement with the EU guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and of UK nationals living in the EU. EU citizens living in the UK by 31 December 2020, along with their family members, will be able to stay with the same access to work, study, benefits and public services that they enjoy now.

Teachers: Pensions

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2018 to Question 176323 on Teachers: Pensions, which employers excluding (a) state-funded schools and (b) further education providers will be required to increase employer contributions to the Teachers' Pension Scheme;  what assessment has he made of the effect of those contributions on the financial viability of those employers; and what the timeframe is for the consultation to conclude.

Nick Gibb: The Teachers’ Pension Scheme covers a range of institutions including schools (maintained schools and academies), further education (FE) providers obliged to offer the teachers’ pension scheme, some higher education institutions, independent schools, and a number of small voluntary providers that opt into the scheme. The Department proposes to provide funding to schools, including state-funded, non-maintained special schools and independent special schools, for the increased costs resulting from the changes to the valuation of pension schemes. Funding is also proposed for those FE providers obliged to offer the teachers’ pension scheme, including general further education colleges, sixth form colleges, designated institutions (including the new designated institutions that form part of higher education institution group structures), specialist post-16 institutions and adult & community learning providers (local authority provision). The Department will shortly run a public consultation to seek views on this and understand better the impact of the proposed changes to decide what action should be taken.

Children: Day Care

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) removing and (b) freezing business rates on early years and childcare settings.

Nadhim Zahawi: Not all early years and childcare settings in England will pay business rates. The government has introduced a range of business rate reforms and measures, which will be worth more than £10 billion by 2023. This includes:raising the rateable value threshold for 100% relief from £6,000 to £12,000, which means that about 655,000 small businesses pay no business rates at all.A package of support worth £435 million over five years to support the businesses facing the steepest increases following the 2017 revaluation.We are also increasing the frequency of property revaluations from every five to every three years following the next revaluation, to ensure that bills more accurately reflect property values. Further, we provided powers under the Localism Act 2011 to enable local authorities to offer business rate discounts. In 2015, officials wrote to all councils to encourage them to use those powers to support access to local high-quality childcare provision. It is a matter for local authorities to exercise those powers as they see fit. We do not collect information on how local authorities have used these powers in relation to early years and childcare settings. There has been no specific assessment made of the impacts of removing or freezing business rates on the early years market, however we have commissioned independent research to provide us with robust, up-to-date evidence on the costs of delivering childcare, including operating costs such as business rates.

Children: Day Care

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of eligible disabled children are accessing 30 hours of free childcare.

Nadhim Zahawi: The information requested is not held centrally.

Primary Education: Nurseries

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of primary schools which have opened since September 2017 (a) include a nursery and (b) do not include a nursery.

Nadhim Zahawi: The Department for Education has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Primary Education: Nurseries

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of new primary schools that have been approved since September 2017 (a) include plans a nursery and (b) do not include plans for a nursery.

Nadhim Zahawi: The Department for Education has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Teachers

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Prime Minister's oral contribution of 10 October 2018, Official Report, column 133, what the evidential basis was for the Prime Minister's statement that there are more teachers in our schools now and we see more people applying to be teachers; and to which year she was making that comparison.

Nick Gibb: Table 1 of the School Workforce in England publication shows that there were 451,900 full time equivalent teachers in state funded schools in 2017. This is 11,900 more than in 2011 and 10,100 more than in 2010.https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-school-workforce.Table 1a of the initial teacher training (ITT) census 2017/18 shows that we recruited 32,710 trainee teachers in academic year 2017/18. This is 815 more than 2016/17, an increase of 3%.https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/initial-teacher-training-trainee-number-census-2017-to-2018.The latest recruitment data published by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service shows that as of 17 September, there were 2,110 (7%) more acceptances to ITT in England than at the equivalent point last year (Report B, Table B.4).https://www.ucas.com/data-and-analysis/ucas-teacher-training-statistical-releases.

Schools: Finance

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Prime Minister's oral contribution of 10 October 2018, Official Report, column 133, what the evidential basis was for the Prime Minister's statement that per pupil funding is being protected in real terms.

Nick Gibb: As set out by the Prime Minister, funding for 5-16 years olds is being protected in real terms per pupil from 2017-18 to 2019-20. Core funding for schools and high needs is rising from almost £41 billion in 2017-18 to £43.5 billion in 2019-20, representing an increase of 6.3%. Pupil numbers are projected to rise by 3.0% over the same period, meaning per pupil funding will rise by 3.2%. The GDP deflator over this period is 3.1%, therefore demonstrating a real terms per pupil protection. Using their own methodology, the Institute for Fiscal Studies have also confirmed that funding will be protected in real terms across this year and the next.Sources:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/723730/2018Release_Projections_Tables.xlsxhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/744692/Copy_of_GDP_Deflators_Qtrly_National_Accounts_September_2018_update__002_.xlsxhttps://www.ifs.org.uk/uploads/publications/comms/R150.pdf

Nurseries: Closures

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information his Department holds on the (a) number of nursery closures and (b) the length of time those nurseries were in business in each of the last five years.

Nadhim Zahawi: This is a matter for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman. I have asked her to write to the hon. Member and a copy of her reply will be placed in the libraries of both Houses.

Students: Loans

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Written Statement of 10 October 2018 on Government Asset Sale, HCWS979, what the HM Treasury Green Book valuation is of the student loans to be sold in the second sale.

Mr Sam Gyimah: Disclosing the HM Treasury Green Book valuation of the student loans to be sold in the second sale of the pre-2012 English student loan book, would be commercially disadvantageous to the government, and would jeopardise the government’s ability to maximise proceeds in this sale and any future sales. The government only sells assets where it is value for money to do so and where there is no policy reason to continue to own them. The government will proceed with the sale announced on 10 October 2018 – or any future sale from the pre-2012 loan book – only if market conditions remain favourable and if the final value for money assessment is positive. Pursuant to Section 4 of the Sale of Student Loans Act (2008), the government will report to Parliament on the sale arrangements, and the extent to which they gave good value, within three months of the date of the transfer arrangements. A copy of that report will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Students: Loans

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the current RAB charge is on Plan 1 student loans.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The department no longer forecasts a Resource Accounting and Budgeting (RAB) charge for Plan 1 loans as too few borrowers are still receiving loans to be able to produce a reliable forecast. RAB charges for Plan 2 and Plan 3 loans are available in table 4 of the 'Student loan forecasts, England: 2017 to 2018' publication: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/student-loan-forecasts-england-2017-to-2018.

Teachers: Pensions

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2018 to Question 176324 on Teachers: Pensions, whether his Department is consulting on whether any additional funding should be provided to independent schools to meet higher employer contributions to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

Nick Gibb: In the independent schools sector, the Department currently proposes to fund independent special schools and non-maintained special schools. Other than this, the Department does not currently intend to provide further funding, but will be consulting shortly to seek views and understand the impact these costs will impose on the sector.

Ministry of Justice

Grenfell Tower: Fires

Emma Dent Coad: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department plans to create a dedicated fund for the legal needs of the affected community arising from the Grenfell Tower fire.

Lucy Frazer: The Government is keen to ensure that the bereaved, survivors and affected residents of the Grenfell Tower tragedy can receive appropriate help and support in a timely manner. Legal aid is available for civil legal aid services as set out in Schedule 1 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, subject to means and merits tests. Additionally, legal aid may also be available under Exceptional Case Funding, where not providing it would breach or carry a serious risk of breaching the European Convention on Human Rights. Ministers have met recently with representatives from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) and the Law Society, and understand that RBKC has put in place a comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation offer, which extends to all residents of Grenfell Tower and Grenfell Walk. The Government will continue to work with bodies such as RBKC and the Law Society to assist people in claiming what they are entitled to.

Ministry of Justice: Northern Ireland

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many and which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have visited the Irish border in the last 12 months; when those visits took place; and how long they spent at the border in each of those visits.

Edward Argar: The Secretary of State for Justice and Ministers have not visited the Irish border in the last 12 months. Details of Ministers’ overseas travel are published quarterly and are available on GOV.UK. The information requested for all officials in my Department is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Ministry of Justice: Brexit

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he plans to publish his Department's preparations for no deal.

Lucy Frazer: We firmly believe it is in the interests of both the EU and the UK to strike a deal. That remains the goal on both sides and we are confident that this will be achieved.But it is the job of a responsible Government to prepare for all scenarios, so we have already carried out very significant ‘no deal’ preparations for the unlikely event that we reach March 2019 without agreeing a deal.We have already published over 100 technical notices so that businesses and citizens have time to prepare in the event of a 'no deal' scenario. These are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/how-to-prepare-if-the-uk-leaves-the-eu-with-no-deal

Personal Independence Payment: Tribunals

Faisal Rashid: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the cost to the public purse has been of administering appeal tribunals for personal independence payment applicants.

Lucy Frazer: The information requested is not held centrally. The cost of personal independence payment hearings is included in the overall cost of the First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support Appeal).

Ministry of Justice: Research

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will list all peer reviewed research reports commissioned by his Department in 2011.

Edward Argar: The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Wills

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if his Department will undertake a review of the (a) role and (b) functions of the second executor in relation to wills.

Lucy Frazer: Individuals may appoint one or more executors of their choice in their wills. The appointments may include “second executors” whose appointments are conditional (for example, where an appointment is only to take effect on the happening of an event) or substituted (for example, where one executor is to be substituted for another upon the happening of an event). The Government is not aware of concerns about the role or functions of “second executors” in relation to wills and does not have any plans to review this area of the law.

CAFCASS

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his department has any plans for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service to be regulated by an independent governing body.

Edward Argar: The Ministry of Justice has no plans for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) to be regulated by an independent governing body. Cafcass is already subject to independent inspection by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted).

Department for International Trade

Trade Promotion

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if he will publish the (a) dates and (b) countries his Department's trade working groups have held meetings with since the creation of his Department.

George Hollingbery: The Government has announced 14 trade working groups across 21 countries to explore the best ways of progressing our trade and investment relationships, details of which have been made public. Individual announcements and statements on Working Groups are available on the department’s website.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Brexit

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to publish his Department's preparations for no deal.

Jake Berry: We believe it is in the interests of both the EU and the UK to strike a deal. That remains the goal on both sides and we are confident that this will be achieved. It is the job of a responsible Government to prepare for all scenarios, so we have already carried out very significant ‘no deal’ preparations for the unlikely event that we reach March 2019 without agreeing a deal.The Government has already published over 100 technical notices so that businesses and citizens have time to prepare in the event of a 'no deal' scenario. These are available on Gov.UK.

Homelessness Reduction Act 2017

Ben Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 since it came into force.

Mrs Heather Wheeler: The Homelessness Reduction Act, the most ambitious reform to homelessness legislation in decades, came into effect on 3 April 2018, to ensure more people get the support they need before they face a homelessness crisis. It is currently too early to fully understand the effectiveness of the Act.We intend to publish the first homelessness statistics since the Act came into force from our new case-level information system, in December 2018, as experimental statistics. We have also committed to reviewing the implementation of the Act, including its resourcing and how it is working in practice, within two years. We will shortly publish terms of reference for this review.

Housing: Construction

Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the National Planning Policy Framework in providing infrastructure in areas where there are new developments.

Kit Malthouse: Research published by my department in March 2018 showed that section 106 planning obligations and the Community Infrastructure Levy raised £6 billion in 2016/17 towards affordable housing and infrastructure.We have set out a new approach to viability assessment in the revised National Planning Policy Framework, published in July 2018. These reforms will mean that developers know the contributions that they are expected to make and local communities are clear about the infrastructure and affordable housing they will get.The Government will monitor and evaluate the reforms brought forward in the NPPF to ensure they are having the intended effect.

Planning Permission: Rural Areas

Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the suitability of the National Planning Policy Framework in rural areas, such as the Ribble Valley.

Kit Malthouse: As part of the preparation of the revised National Planning Policy Framework, representations were received from local authorities and neighbourhood planning groups across the country, as well as groups that have a focus on countryside issues.Officials also proactively reached out to communities through a series of regional events run by the Planning Advisory Service and the Royal Town Planning Institute.The Framework confirms that in rural areas, planning policies and decisions should be responsive to local circumstances and support housing developments that reflect local needs.It is for local authorities to consider how to implement the National Planning Policy Framework in their area through the plan-making process.

Housing: Immigrants

Mr John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the relationship between immigration from outside the EU and housing demand.

Kit Malthouse: The Department has not made an assessment of the relationship between immigration from outside the EU and housing demand.

Building Regulations

Mr John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the Government has made an assessment of the relationship between the characteristics of the built environment and antisocial behaviour and crime.

Kit Malthouse: The Government are aware of the role that the Built Environment has to play in the prevention of antisocial behaviour and crime. Within the revised National Planning Policy Framework it states that development should seek to provide environments that are “safe and accessible, so that crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion.” Planning practice guidance will provide further advice in relation to crime prevention.Existing planning guidance refers to Secure by Design, a standard for security in the design of places and spaces between buildings. The standard makes recommendations for parts of development that might at risk of crime and provides an advisory service to help design out crime. The requirements in Secure by Design that relate to security of the home are a requirement under Part P of the Building Regulations. The revised planning guidance will continue to reference Secure by Design standards.With regards to assessing the relationship between the Built Environment and crime, no evidence has yet been gathered. However, social value, which includes the creation of safe places for people to live and work, is something that we are in the process of addressing.

Social Rented Housing: Mental Illness

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues on ensuring that the social housing system helps people with mental health conditions.

Kit Malthouse: Ministers and officials from my department have regular discussions with our counterparts in the Department of Health and Social Care to discuss a range of issues, including mental health.   The Social Housing Green Paper recognises that many landlords play a role that goes beyond their key responsibilities, which includes providing signposting to vital services, including mental health services. Through the Green Paper, we are seeking to gather evidence on the impact of the important role that many social landlords are playing.Within social housing and more widely, supported housing provides a vital service for vulnerable people, including people with mental health issues. Safeguarding provision and supply of appropriate supported accommodation is a priority for my Department - and we will continue to provide capital grant funding to promote new supply of supported housing. Our recent announcement confirming that funding for all supported housing will stay in Housing Benefit, will also give confidence to the sector to continue to invest in new supply. We are also reviewing oversight arrangements for all supported housing. As a Government, we are investing record levels in mental health, spending £11.98 billion in 2017/18.

Local Government Finance: Wolverhampton

Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the total central government grant to City of Wolverhampton Council has been in each year since 2010.

Rishi Sunak: The totals of each local authority’s source of finance, including grants from central government, are reported in their General Fund Revenue Account outturn and capital account outturn returns to MHCLG.These can be found for the years requested via following the links to individual local authority data from www.gov.uk/government/collections/local-authority-capital-expenditure-receipts-and-financing (‘RS revenue outturn summary’ data table) and from www.gov.uk/government/collections/local-authority-capital-expenditure-receipts-and-financing (Table 'B. Resources used to finance capital expenditure' in the ‘COR4’ data table).

System Building: Safety

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the safety of large panel system buildings.

James Brokenshire: Building owners are responsible for the safety of their properties. We have written to councils and housing associations to advise them to check the structural safety of buildings which use large panel systems (LPS). If safety checks show that work is necessary, we expect building owners to manage these works and, if needed, ensure people are rehoused.To assist buildings owners, on the advice of the Independent Expert Advisory Panel and the Standing Committee on Structural Safety, my department commissioned the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to review its risk assessment guidance on the structural safety of LPS buildings, which they have done, and we have established a forum of LPS building owners to disseminate information and good practice.

Building Regulations: Solar Power

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will change building regulations to require new properties to contain solar panels.

Kit Malthouse: The Building Regulations are deliberately couched in performance terms and mandating a particular technology, such as a blanket requirement to deploy solar panels on roofs, may not be appropriate for all new buildings because of variations such as roof construction, building orientation and specific site conditions.The Building Regulations energy efficiency standards for new homes have increased 30 per cent since 2010 and to meet these demanding standards, builders will find they increasingly need to add more renewable energy systems, such as solar panels.As set out in the Government's Clean Growth Strategy, we plan to consult on an uplift to the energy efficiency requirements for new homes and other buildings where there are safe, practical, cost-effective and affordable opportunities to do so.

Sleeping Rough: LGBT People

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the further consultation on LGBT+ rough sleepers in section 81, page 32 of his Department's Rough Sleeping Strategy, which (a) organisations and (b) individuals have been consulted.

Mrs Heather Wheeler: We recognise that the experiences of LGBT people, particularly young people, may lead to homelessness in too many cases, and understand that LGBT people who find themselves homeless may have a different experience of homelessness. However, we know we need to better understand this issue. That is why we committed to undertaking research with the Government Equalities Office in order to understand the nature and scale of LGBT homelessness and individuals’ experience of services while homeless.We are still developing plans for the research and through this process we will engage with a range of specialist organisations, experts and people with lived experience. Based on findings, we will set out further concrete steps to address the issues of LGBT homelessness in the first yearly refresh of the strategy.We are taking the first steps to ensure that LGBT people who find themselves homeless receive the support they need by providing training and non-statutory guidance to frontline staff so they can best support the needs of LGBT individuals presenting as homeless.

Affordable Housing

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much money from the public purse was spent in affordable housing grants in each financial year since 2009-10.

James Brokenshire: The Government funds affordable housing through the Affordable Homes Programme.Detailed information on spend in financial years is published in the Department's annual report and accounts which are available on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications

Ministry of Defence

Yemen: Armed Forces

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 14 September 2018 to Question 171331 on Yemen: Armed Forces, whether the UK has military forces operating in Yemen.

Gavin Williamson: Please refer to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster) gave to Question 171331 to the hon. Member for the Wrekin (Mark Pritchard) on 14 September 2018.



171331 - WQnA extract on Yemen: Armed Forces
(Word Document, 23.88 KB)

Veterans: North West

Damien Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the number of veterans living in the (a) North West of England and (b) Southport constituency.

Mark Lancaster: An estimated distribution of the UK Armed Forces veteran population residing in Great Britain can be found in the 'Annual Population Survey: UK Armed Forces Veterans Residing in Great Britain', the latest edition of which (2016) is published at:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/annual-population-survey-uk-armed-forces-veterans-residing-in-great-britain.As at 2016, there were an estimated 2.5 million UK Armed Forces veterans residing in households across Great Britain and 279,000 veterans living in households in the North-West region of England.The total number of veterans in Southport constituency is not held. However, information held by the Department indicates that, as at 31 March 2018, there were 517 veterans residing in the Southport Constituency in receipt of an Armed Forces occupational pension, a disablement pension under the War Pensions Scheme or compensation under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

AWACS: Procurement

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to Written Statement of 9 October 2018, HCWS974 on Airborne Warning and Control System, which allies he has had discussions with on the UK’s airborne warning and control system capability.

Stuart Andrew: The Ministry of Defence has engaged with the UK's allies who currently operate Airborne Early Warning and Control capabilities. These are: the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force, the United States, Australia, France, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Turkey and South Korea.

AWACS: Procurement

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to Written Statement of 9th October 2018, HCWS974 on Airborne Warning and Control System, whether his Department plans to provide information on the industrial and economic effect of a final procurement decision later in the procurement process.

Stuart Andrew: In accordance with our industrial policy, the Ministry of Defence will take into account, where applicable, the industrial and economic benefits when making a final investment decision. The rationale behind any final decision will of course be fully explained at the appropriate point.

Ministry of Defence: Equality

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department plans to publish a diversity and inclusion strategy.

Mark Lancaster: The Defence 2018-2030 Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: A Force for Inclusion was published on 11 October 2018.

Army: Officers

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many places have been available on the Soldier Conversion Officer Course in each of the last five years.

Mark Lancaster: The number of places available on the Soldier Conversion Officer Course in each of the last five years is shown below. Financial YearCourse places2013-14302014-15302015-16202016-17202017-1830

Norway: Military Exercises

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many members of the Royal Marines conducted annual cold weather training in Norway in each of the last five years.

Mark Lancaster: Records are only available for the number of Royal Marines who conducted annual cold weather training in Norway for 2016 and 2017. The numbers were 625 and 640. These figures have been rounded in accordance with Departmental policy. The period for 2018 is not yet completed, so figures are unavailable.

Ministry of Defence: Northern Ireland

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have visited the Irish border in the last 12 months; when those visits took place; and how long they spent at the border in each of those visits.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Details of Ministers' overseas travel are published quarterly and are available on the GOV.UK website. The information requested for all officials in the Ministry of Defence is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Ministry of Defence: Brexit

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to publish his Department's preparations for no deal.

Mark Lancaster: Ministry of Defence officials are working closely with colleagues from across Government to manage the consequences of exiting the EU under a 'no deal' scenario. We firmly believe it is in the interests of both the EU and the UK to strike a deal.That remains the goal on both sides and we are confident that this will be achieved. But it is the job of a responsible Government to prepare for all scenarios, so we have already carried out very significant 'no deal' preparations for the unlikely event that we reach March 2019 without agreeing a deal.The Government have already published over 100 technical notices so that businesses and citizens have time to prepare in the event of a 'no deal' scenario. These are available on gov.uk in a centralised location that is easy for people to access and use.

Bomb Disposal: Northern Ireland

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on how many occasions Army bomb disposal units were called out in Northern Ireland between (a) 1 July 2014 and 1 July 2016 and (b) 1 July 2016 and 1 July 2018.

Mark Lancaster: Incidents requiring explosive ordnance disposal experts in Northern Ireland are dealt with solely by military personnel. Between 1 July 2014 to 1 January 2016, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel have responded to 567 incidents in Northern Ireland. For the period 1 July 2016 to 1 July 2018, EOD personnel have responded to 526 incidents in Northern Ireland.

Army: Bomb Disposal

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on how many occasions Army Bomb Disposal teams were called out between (a) 1 July 2014 and 1 July 2016 and (b) 1 July 2016 and 1 July 2018 as a result of (i) viable devices, (ii) hoax devices and (iii) hoax calls.

Mark Lancaster: The information requested is given below:YearCalloutImprovised Explosive Device (IED)Hoax devices1 July 2014 – 30 June 20163,71180391 July 2016 – 30 June 20184,56159937 For the purpose of this question, callouts include legacy ordnance, incendiary devices, search assistance and other tasks. IEDs are classed as viable devices. The number of hoax calls is not held by the Department.

Antisubmarine Warfare

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase anti-submarine warfare capacity.

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what anti-submarine warfare capability he plans to include on the Type 31e Frigates.

Stuart Andrew: The new ship, submarine and aircraft procurement programme has included the continual review of our anti-submarine warfare capabilities. As part of this process the Royal Air Force expect to receive the first P-8A POSEIDON Maritime Patrol Aircraft towards the end of 2019, with the Type 26 ships, not the Type 31e, providing the primary anti-submarine warfare capability for the Royal Navy.

HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the timetable is for the replacements for landing platform docks Albion and Bulwark.

Stuart Andrew: The Royal Navy are considering the options available for replacing HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark as part of the routine business for future maritime capabilities. At this time no specific dates have been set for any replacement of these vessels and their Out of Service dates remain as 2033 and 2034 respectively.

Tomahawk Missiles

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to introduce Tomahawk Land Attack Missile capability to the surface fleet.

Stuart Andrew: Type 26 Frigates are being equipped with the Mk41 Strike Length Vertical Launch System which would be compatible with Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. A range of candidate solutions are currently being considered in the Concept Phase to fulfil this capability requirement, but in the meantime United Kingdom maritime land attack capability remains ably provided by submarines.

Armed Forces: Lifelong Education

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason the Enhanced Learning Credit Administration Service no longer funds the (a) national qualifications framework, (b) qualifications credit framework , (c) self-regulated framework and (d) industry recognised certifications at level three and above; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Lancaster: There have been no changes to the funding arrangements of the Enhanced Learning Credit Administration Service.The Ministry of Defence provides funding and promotes lifelong learning through its Standard, Enhanced, and Publicly Funded Higher Education schemes. We use a variety of qualification frameworks including National Qualification Framework, the Qualification and Curriculum Framework, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and several others as a means to continually develop our people both while serving, during transition, and after having left providing eligibility criteria is satisfied.

Armed Forces: Pensions

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the cost to the armed forces of increasing the employer contribution to the armed forces pension schemes in each of the next three fiscal years; and whether his Department has plans to fund the cost of the increased contribution in each of those years.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Ministry of Defence is required to undertake a valuation of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme every four years. Early indications are that the amount the Department pays towards the scheme will need to increase. This is largely because of proposed changes to the discount rate used to assess the current cost of future payments from the schemes to reflect the Office for Budget Responsibility's long-term growth forecasts. The outcome of the valuation will be published by the end of this financial year.Some increase in costs was anticipated at Budget 2016. HM Treasury will be supporting Departments with any unforeseen costs for financial year 2019-20. Funding additional costs beyond this point will be considered in the Spending Review.

RAF Brize Norton

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the status is of the review of the air space around RAF Brize Norton; and if he will take steps with the Secretary of State for Transport to ensure that objections to the proposed changes are taken into account before a final decision is taken.

Mark Lancaster: The Brize Norton Airspace Change Proposal is intended to improve safety for all aviation users in the airspace around RAF Brize Norton.The RAF is aware of the potential impact of its proposal on the public and the aviation community and therefore, in concert with London Oxford Airport, conducted a widespread public consultation. RAF Brize Norton has recently published the results of that consultation on its website.Once complete the RAF will submit its finalised proposal to the Civil Aviation Authority who have responsibility for decisions on the regulation of UK airspace.

Department for Work and Pensions

Child Maintenance Service: Fees and Charges

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the money that will accrue to the public purse of the (a) fee charged for applications to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), (b) collection fee for paying parents using the CMS Collect and Pay service, (c) collection fee for receiving parents using the CMS Collect and Pay service and (d) enforcement fees levied on paying parents in (i) 2019-20 and (ii) 2020-21.

Justin Tomlinson: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 10 September 2018.The correct answer should have been:

We are not able to provide details of estimates for receipts to the public purse from Child Maintenance Service charges for 2019-20 and 2020-21 as these figures will comprise part of the Spending Review which has yet to be agreed.Details of estimates for receipts to the public purse from Child Maintenance Service charges are not yet available. We expect to have estimates for 2019-20 early in 2019. Estimates for 2020-21 will form part of the next Spending Review.

Justin Tomlinson: We are not able to provide details of estimates for receipts to the public purse from Child Maintenance Service charges for 2019-20 and 2020-21 as these figures will comprise part of the Spending Review which has yet to be agreed.Details of estimates for receipts to the public purse from Child Maintenance Service charges are not yet available. We expect to have estimates for 2019-20 early in 2019. Estimates for 2020-21 will form part of the next Spending Review.

Widowed Parents Allowance

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when her Department plans to publish its response to the Supreme Court's ruling on Widowed Parent's Allowance; and if she will make a statement.

Justin Tomlinson: We are considering the court’s ruling carefully and will update Parliament in due course.

Members: Correspondence

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to respond to the letter of 5 September 2018 from the hon. Member for Garston and Halewood regarding an answer to Question 167153 answered on 4 September 2018.

Alok Sharma: A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 15 October.

Occupational Pensions

Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to hold a consultation on the implementation of the IORP2 Directive on occupational retirement savings.

Guy Opperman: The UK was a strong and influential voice during the negotiations that produced the EU Directive 2016/2341 known as IORP II. Stakeholder and Government representatives worked together to negotiate a final text which supports the UK’s direction of travel on pensions policy. Consequently, many of the key elements of IORP II are already required within UK law and / or the Pensions Regulator’s existing Codes of Practice. Therefore, DWP does not intend to undertake a formal consultation exercise. However, we have consulted informally and extensively with industry, the Pensions Regulator and other stakeholders to explore which parts of the Directive to transpose into UK law and how this is best achieved.

Department for Work and Pensions: Brexit

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to publish her Department's preparations for no deal.

Alok Sharma: The Department for Work and Pensions continues to plan for all EU exit scenarios, as is prudent for such a significant issue, including working closely with the Department for Exiting the European Union to ensure consistency of plans across government. The Government has published a series of technical notices so that businesses and citizens have time to prepare for March 2019 in the event of a ‘no deal’ scenario.Further details and information can be found on gov.uk:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-governments-preparations-for-a-no-deal-scenario

Department for Work and Pensions: Staff

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what change there has been in staffing levels in her Department since June 2016.

Justin Tomlinson: Figures on employment levels in all Civil Service organisations are collected each quarter by ONS as part of the Quarterly Public Sector Employment Survey (QPSES). These figures are published quarterly in arrears as part of ONS’ Public Sector Employment statistics – a National Statistic. The figures in the table below show staffing for the Department for Work and Pensions, excluding is Executive Agencies from quarter ending 30 June 2016. Quarter EndingTotal Headcount30-Jun-1684,23030-Sep-1683,66031-Dec-1683,33031-Mar-1784,05030-Jun-1784,12030-Sep-1783,17031-Dec-1783,16031-Mar-1883,42030-Jun-1882,820 The latest QPSES data was published on 11 September 2018 and can be found at the following link https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/bulletins/publicsectoremployment/june2018 The Department also publishes its workforce management information each month. These details can be found at the following link. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dwp-workforce-management-information#2010-to-march-2014-

Department for Work and Pensions: Northern Ireland

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have visited the Irish border in the last 12 months; when those visits took place; and how long they spent at the border in each of those visits.

Alok Sharma: The Government is committed to providing complete transparency on Ministerial visits overseas to Parliament and the public. Where Government ministers have travelled between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, details will be published quarterly on Gov.uk. The information requested for officials in my Department is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. However, details of business expenses incurred by senior officials including domestic and international travel is also published quarterly and is available on Gov.uk.

Members: Correspondence

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to respond to the letter of 21 August 2018 from the hon. Member for Glasgow Central on the matter of a constituent, Neil Rothnie.

Sarah Newton: I responded to the letter from the honourable member on 1 October 2018. I will ensure that another copy is dispatched as a matter of urgency.

Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations

Marion Fellows: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to Independent Assessment Service (IAS) reports that have been audited and amended, whether it is her Department's policy to provide the (a) original and (b) amended IAS reports to claimants who request a copy of the IAS report on their assessment.

Sarah Newton: Holding answer received on 17 October 2018



If the audit process or the Case Manager identify that the report is of unacceptable quality it is returned to the assessment provider for a review. The review takes into account all the evidence provided and a further assessment report is then completed and returned to DWP. It is DWP policy to provide only the latest copy of the assessment report to claimants upon request, as this supersedes any previous report and is the report used by the Case Manager to make the decision.

Universal Credit

Ruth George: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason a student maintenance loan is classed as income in respect of applications for universal credit.

Alok Sharma: Universal Credit does not duplicate the support provided by the student support system. An award of Universal Credit takes into account the elements of student loans or grants which provide for basic maintenance and disregards elements paid for specific additional costs, such as tuition or books. A flat rate monthly disregard of £110 is applied against the amount taken into account as student income.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Nappies: Waste Disposal

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Real Nappies for London scheme; which London boroughs are participating in that scheme; what assessment his Department has made of the effect of that scheme on the reduction in tonnage of landfill waste and savings to local waste authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he plans to take to encourage local authorities to reduce the tonnage of disposable nappies going to landfill; and if he will make a statement.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Government is aware of the Real Nappies for London scheme. We welcome initiatives which keep waste out of landfill but we have not carried out a specific assessment on the impact of Real Nappies for London on tonnages to landfill, or savings to local authorities. There is information about Real Nappies on the Waste and Resources Action Programme’s website and many local authorities choose to promote reusable nappies as part of their waste prevention activities.

National Parks

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many hectares of land are currently designated as National Parks in England.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: There are currently 1,264,040 hectares of land designated as national parks in England, including the Broads.[1] [1] Data provided by National Parks England.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Staff

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what change there has been in staffing levels in his Department since June 2016.

George Eustice: The changes in staffing levels for Defra between 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2018 are shown in the table below:  June 2016June 2018ChangeHeadcount17003,810+2,110 Source: Office of National Statistics – Quarterly Public Sector Employment Survey (June 2016 and June 2018)

Abandoned Vehicles and Fly-tipping

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support his Department provides to people that have experienced (a) fly tipping and (b) vehicles abandoned on their land.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Through the National Fly-tipping Prevention Group, the Government has published a series of fly-tipping prevention guides for householders, businesses and landowners affected by fly-tipping. We have also published the Fly-tipping Partnership Framework, which outlines best practice for the prevention, reporting, investigation and clearance of fly-tipping to be adapted to suit local circumstances. These are available on the National Fly-tipping Prevention Group website: www.tacklingflytipping.com. Local authorities have statutory duties concerning the removal of abandoned cars, as set out in the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, and amended by the Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005. Local authorities also have enforcement powers to penalise individuals who abandon vehicles or parts of vehicles, including issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution, and can recover certain costs from offenders. Guidance is available on GOV.UK and can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/abandoned-vehicles-council-responsibilities

Scallops: Fisheries

Dr Sarah Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his French counterpart on ensuring that information resulting from the toxicity testing of scallop fishing areas in the English Channel is made available to British fishermen in a timely manner or at the same time as to French fishermen; and if he will make a statement.

George Eustice: As the responsible UK body, the Food Standards Agency has reiterated to the French Authorities the importance of ensuring that communications about the opening of fisheries, where raised toxin levels in scallops have resulted in their closure, are made to all of those affected at the same time.

Nappies: Recycling

Sir Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has he made of the possibility of recycling disposable nappies.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Government has asked the Waste and Resources Action Programme to carry out an assessment of difficult to recycle materials including disposable nappies and this report will be published shortly. I have met Proctor and Gamble who have developed a technology to recycle nappies and understand they are in discussions with several local authorities to establish a facility in the UK. We want to encourage more recycling and to make it easier for households to recycle and will say more about how we will do this in our forthcoming Resources and Waste Strategy.

Food: Imports

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2018 to Question 176014 on Food: Imports , what assessment he has made of the accuracy of statements made by in the paper, Feeding Britain: Food Security after Brexit on the suspension of food controls.

David Rutley: The Government firmly believes it is in the interests of both the EU and the UK to strike a deal. That remains the goal on both sides and we are confident that this will be achieved. However, it is the job of a responsible Government to prepare for all scenarios, including the unlikely event that we reach March 2019 without agreeing a deal. We have already carried out very significant ‘no deal’ preparations and we are now stepping up the pace, including publishing a series of technical notices so that businesses and citizens have time to prepare.In preparation for our withdrawal from the EU, work is being undertaken across the whole of Government to consider how we best manage border checks and controls in a range of scenarios without impacting the smooth flow of trade. We have been very clear that when we leave the EU, we will categorically not dilute our world leading set of standards on food safety and quality. We are committed to upholding these with robust and independent scientific and technical advice. Any products entering the UK market must meet our high standards of quality and safety.The UK has a high degree of food security, built on access to a range of sources including strong domestic production and imports from third countries. Consumers will continue to have access to a range of different products when we leave the EU.

Home Office

Radicalism: Charities

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to ensure that charities suspected of extremist activities are not able to register with the Charities Commission.

Victoria Atkins: The Government is determined to defeat extremism in all its forms and cut off the funding for it, which is why we conducted a review of the funding of Islamist extremism in the UK. The review found that the majority of Islamist extremist funding comes from private charitable donations in the UK; and that some extremist organisations seek to avoid regulatory oversight.The Government’s response therefore includes working with the Charity Commission to increase the proportion of organisations registered as charities; and encourage the public to carefully consider the credentials of the organisations they donate to.

Hate Crime

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment his Department has made of reasons for the recent rise in recorded hate crimes; and whether the Government has plans to identify crimes committed against people from alternative sub-cultures as hate crimes.

Victoria Atkins: The increases in recorded hate crime is thought to be driven by general improvements by the police in how they record crime, better identification of hate crimes, willingness of victims to come forward, and a genuine increase in these offences around certain events such as the EU Referendum and the terrorist attacks in 2017.We have recently published a refreshed Hate Crime Action Plan. As part of this, we have asked the Law Commission to undertake a review of the coverage and approach of current hate crime legislative provisions. This will include consideration of whether there should be additional protected characteristics, which could include alternative sub-cultures.

Home Office: Northern Ireland

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many and which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have visited the Irish border in the last 12 months; when those visits took place; and how long they spent at the border in each of those visits.

Caroline Nokes: a) Ministers have travelled between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Details of Ministers’ overseas travel are published quarterly and are available on GOV.UK.b) Details of business expenses incurred by senior officials include domestic and international travel. This information is also published quarterly and is available on GOV.UK.The information requested for all officials in my Department is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Grenfell Tower: Fires

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make an assessment of the effect of the Grenfell Tower fire on the adequacy of the provisions on residential buildings in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Nick Hurd: Dame Judith Hackitt’s report on Building Regulations and Fire Safety calls for major reform of the regulatory system and for culture change across the construction industry and fire safety sector.The government agreed with the broad principles of the report and committed to bring forward legislation. The Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government are working with partners to consider the detail of Dame Judith’s recommendations and the government will make a statement on implementation of the reforms later in the autumn.

Home Office: Brexit

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he plans to publish his Department's preparations for no deal.

Caroline Nokes: We firmly believe it is in the interests of both the EU and the UK to strike a deal. That remains the goal on both sides and we are confident that this will be achieved. But it is the job of a responsible Government to prepare for all scenarios, so we have already carried out very significant ‘no deal’ preparations for the unlikely event that we reach March 2019 without agreeing a deal.We have already published over 100 technical notices so that businesses and citizens have time to prepare in the event of a 'no deal' scenario. These are available on gov.uk in a centralised location that is easy for people to access and use.

Appleby Horse Fair

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will meet with the chief constable of Cumbria Constabulary to discuss the adequacy of funding for Cumbria Constabulary to effectively police the area surrounding the Appleby Horse Fair each year.

Mr Nick Hurd: Ministers meet on a regular basis with police leaders to discuss a range of topics. Last year, I spoke to all 43 polices force in England & Wales about the demands they face.The Government is supporting the police to respond to changing demand with an over £460m increase in total investment in the police system this financial year, including an increase of around £280m in funding for Police & Crime Commissioners through council tax precept.The Cumbria PCC’s direct resource funding is £102.9 million in 2018/19, an increase of £2.5 million from precept compared to 2017/18.Decisions about the allocation of police resources and deployment of officers are for Chief Constables and democratically accountable PCCs. They are responsible for ensuring the needs of the local community are met.If any force faces an exceptional event that could threaten the financial stability of the force, the Police and Crime Commissioners can apply to the Home Office for special grant funding.

Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he plans to respond to the recommendations made in the Interim Report of the Independent Inquiry Into Child Sexual Abuse published in April 2018.

Victoria Atkins: The Government has welcomed the Interim Report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and is carefully considering the recommendations directed at Government. We will respond fully as soon as possible.

Bail: Victims and Witnesses

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he plans to assess the long-term effect of the provisions on pre-charge bail in the Policing and Crime Act 2017 on (a) victim and (b) witness protection in relation to the high-harm offences of (i) domestic abuse, (ii) hate crime, (iii) serious sexual offences, (iv) rape and (v) child abuse; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Nick Hurd: Following the 2017 reforms to pre-charge bail, the police are still able to impose pre-charge bail, with appropriate conditions, to protect victims and witnesses in any case where doing so is both necessary and proportionate.While the legislation is clear that bail remains available in any case where it is necessary and proportionate, the Home Office is working with partners across the Criminal Justice System to monitor the impacts of the reforms, including to ensure that vulnerable victims and witnesses continue to receive appropriate protection, whether through the use of pre-charge bail conditions or otherwise.In order to ensure that bail is used appropriately, the Home Office has commissioned Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary & Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to review the police’s use of pre-charge bail as part of their annual PEEL effectiveness inspection programme. The use of pre-charge bail continues to feature in HMICFRS’ core assessments and, in November 2018, the Inspectorate will publish a thematic review of how forces are dealing with domestic abuse cases, which will include a focus on the use of bail.Pre-charge bail is also a regular agenda item at Chief Constables’ Council, where chiefs have noted that there is significant variation in the use of pre-charge bail between forces and that they should ensure that they are content with the approach taken by their force.

Police: Pensions

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will assess the potential merits of increasing the police pension entitlement for widows from post-retirement marriages.

Mr Nick Hurd: The current police pension scheme provides survivor benefits regardless of the timing of a member’s marriage. In keeping with other public service pension schemes, this was not the case before 1978, when different rules applied.Successive governments have made a general presumption against making retrospective changes to public service pension schemes. Therefore there is no entitlement relating to service before 1978 and there are no plans to change this.

Asylum: Housing

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he plans to publish the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration's report on Asylum Accommodation and the Government response to that report.

Caroline Nokes: The Asylum Accommodation report and Government response will be published in due course.

Asylum: Housing

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he plans to involve local authorities in existing dispersal areas in the process of finalising the new asylum accommodation contracts with providers.

Caroline Nokes: The transition of the contracts is not a point at which we intend to revisit or revise the contractual arrangements with new accommodation providers.Regional Transition Leads are working in partnership with local authorities via the Strategic Migration Partnerships (SMPs) to ensure appropriate liaison and engagement leading up to contract award. This proactive engagement will result in local authorities shaping the narrative around placements of asylum seekers in their communities but also form the beginnings of Joint Partnership Boards which will monitor and manage the transition to the new contracts.

Immigrants: Christianity

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions has he had with the House of Bishops on the criteria used by the immigration authorities to assess whether a person has satisfactory grounds for using conversion to Christianity as a reason to be granted leave to remain.

Caroline Nokes: Home Office policy is clear that when considering asylum claims based on religious belief or lack of belief, caseworkers must ask appropriate and sensitive questions based on an understanding of religious concepts, philosophical viewpoints and forms of persecution a person may be subjected to in their country. Where caseworkers need to establish credibility of a conversion to any faith, the approach taken is to explore with that individual their personal experiences and journey to their new faith, both in their country and in the UK, rather than test their knowledge of religious facts.Home Office officials regularly discuss religious-based claims with a broad range of faith groups to ensure we are considering such claims appropriately. This includes working closely with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on International Freedom of Religion or Belief and engaging with a range of groups in order to improve our policy guidance and develop specialist training for caseworkers to drive further improvement in this important and complex area. The Home Office has not engaged directly with the House of Bishops on this matter.

Fire and Rescue Services: Pensions

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate he has made of the cost to Fire and Rescue Services of increasing the employer contribution to the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme in each of the next three fiscal years; and whether his Department has plans to fund the cost of the increased contribution in each of those years.

Mr Nick Hurd: The 2016 valuation is the first full assessment of the firefighters’ pension schemes since the government introduced major pension reforms in 2015.Our analysis shows that there will be an increase in the employers’ contribution cost due to proposed changes to the discount rate that is used to assess the current cost of future pensions liabilities. When these changes are confirmed, I will be able to confirm the increase in employer costs.Treasury will be supporting departments with funding for most of the additional costs in 2019/20. Additional costs for future years will be included in the Spending Review discussions.

UK Visas and Immigration: Stoke on Trent

Ruth Smeeth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what options were considered when taking the decision to close the Stoke reporting and offender management centre.

Caroline Nokes: The Home Office have been unable to find a suitable location in Stoke for staff and the reporting population so utilised police stations. Staffordshire Police have subsequently rationalised their estate and could not provide the Home Office with accommodation to conduct the full range of functions required.In the absence of any suitable accommodation in the area, which also took into account security, safety of signers and staff, the reporting function was moved to Manchester reporting centre.

UK Visas and Immigration: Stoke on Trent

Ruth Smeeth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he made of the needs of asylum seekers in Stoke-on-Trent when the decision to close the Stoke Reporting Centre was taken.

Caroline Nokes: The Home Office assessed the needs of all types of reportees, not only asylum seekers.The assessment looked at travel times and reporting frequencies of individuals as well as those with special needs, such as pregnant subjects or those recovering from surgery and how we could reimburse eligible individuals for travel.

Immigrants: EU Nationals

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will publish his Department’s evaluation of the first phase of the roll-out of the EU settlement scheme.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people applied for the first phase of the EU settlement scheme; and how many of those applications were (a) successful, (b) unsuccessful, (c) awaiting a decision.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what was the average time taken by his Department was to process an application for the first phase of the EU settlement scheme.

Caroline Nokes: As I set out in my Written Statement on the EU Settlement Scheme on 11 October, I have written to the Rt Hon Member for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford, the Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, with our early findings from the initial private beta phase and placed a copy of that letter in the Library.We will continue to monitor findings and will publish a full report with our findings once this first phase, which runs until later this month, has been completed.

Immigrants: EU Nationals

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress his Department has made on enabling people to apply to the EU settlement scheme on (a) Apple and (b) other smartphones.

Caroline Nokes: The EU Settlement Scheme will be a streamlined, user-friendly, digital application system with multiple service options to meet the needs of a varied cus-tomer base. Applicants will be able to complete the application on a computer, tablet, smartphone or using an assisted digital service.

Immigrants: EU Nationals

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what additional support he plans to provide to vulnerable people applying for the second phase of the EU settlement scheme.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which (a) local authorities and (b) community organisations are planned to be involved in providing support to vulnerable people applying for the EU settlement scheme.

Caroline Nokes: As we have previously said, the EU Settlement Scheme will be a streamlined, user-friendly, digital application system with multiple service options to meet the needs of a varied customer base including vulnerable applicants. As such, we are engaging with stakeholders who represent local authorities, community groups, employers and users to help build a system that is fit for purpose.We are working in partnership with community organisations and a number of local authorities to support a range of vulnerable applicants through the second phase of the EU Settlement Scheme private beta. A list of these local authorities and community organisations are provided in the Immigration Rules.

Deportation: Iran

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been returned from the UK to the Iran in each of the last five years having exhausted the appeals process; and how many cases of such returns are pending an appeals process.

Caroline Nokes: The number of returns from the UK to Iran is published in table rt_04_q (returns data tables, volume 4) in ‘Immigration Statistics, year ending June 2018’. The data are available from the GOV.uk website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-statistics-year-ending-june-2018HM Courts and Tribunal Service publishes appeals data on a quarterly basis which can be accessed at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tribunals-and-gender-recognition-certificate-statistics-quarterly-april-to-june-2018Individuals who have had their claims certified may only exercise their appeal rights once they have left the United Kingdom. Cross referencing those individuals against those with extant appeals could only be achieved at disproportionate cost.

Wales Office

Post Offices: Wales

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment his Department has made of trends in the number of Post Office closures in Wales since 2010 in comparison to other (a) nations and (b) regions of the UK.

Alun Cairns: The Government recognises the critical role that post offices play in communities and for small businesses across the UK. This is why the Government committed to safeguard the post office network and protect existing rural services. The overall number of post offices across the UK remains at its most stable in decades with over 11,500 branches thanks to significant Government investment of over £2 billion since 2010. While the Government sets the strategic direction for the Post Office, it allows the company the commercial freedom to deliver this strategy as an independent business. The distribution of branches is an operational matter of commercial judgement for the Post Office management team. I have therefore asked Paula Vennells, the Group Chief Executive of Post Office Limited, to write to you on this matter. A copy of her reply will be placed in the Library of the House.

Cabinet Office

Cabinet Office: Northern Ireland

Layla Moran: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many and which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have visited the Irish border in the last 12 months; when those visits took place; and how long they spent at the border in each of those visits.

Mr David Lidington: a) Ministers have travelled between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Details of Ministers’ overseas travel are published quarterly and are available on GOV.UK. b) Details of business expenses incurred by senior officials include domestic and international travel. This information is also published quarterly and is available on GOV.UK. The information requested for all officials in my Department is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Cabinet Office: Staff

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what change there has been in staffing levels in his Department since June 2016.

Oliver Dowden: As part of this Government’s commitment to transparency, my Department publishes workforce statistics each month. Information about staffing levels since June 2016 are available athttps://www.gov.uk/government/collections/payroll-costs-and-non-consolidated-pay-data

Kier Group

Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many meetings his Department has had with the construction firm Kier in the last 12 months.

Oliver Dowden: This information is not held centrally. However, the Markets and Suppliers team in the Cabinet Office have met with Kier five times in the last 12 months.

Government Digital Service: Staff

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people were employed by the Government Digital Service in each of the last seven years.

Oliver Dowden: The table below sets out the number of staff employed by the Government Digital Service (GDS) in each of the last seven years: DateNo. of Employees9/30/20187703/31/20187623/31/20176113/31/20163953/31/20153993/31/20142803/31/20131833/31/2012140

Cybercrime: Industry

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to increase awareness of its cyber security standards for industry.

Mr David Lidington: The Cabinet Office is committed to work in partnership with HMG’s strategic suppliers on how best to apply the new Minimum Cyber Security Standard within its contracting arrangements.The standard will be applied to government's strategic suppliers to assess whether they meet the required level, and government will incorporate the standard into new contracts in future and enforce full compliance with it.

Cabinet Office: Cybercrime

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of Government departments' implementation of the Minimum Cyber Security Standard.

Mr David Lidington: The Minimum Cyber Security Standard was issued to HMG departments in April 2018 and published on GOV.UK in June. The responsibility for security, including risk management and policy implementation, sits with the Accounting Officer and the executive board of each department. Through existing assurance mechanisms set out in the Security Policy Framework and working with partners across government, including the National Technical Authorities, implementation of the new standard will continue to be monitored.

Department for Exiting the European Union

Mobile Phones: Fees and Charges

Hugh Gaffney: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what discussions he has had with his European Union counterparts on reciprocal arrangements for roaming charges between the UK and the EU after the UK leaves the EU.

Mr Robin Walker: The government holds regular discussions with the EU on the future economic partnership, covering a wide range of topics, as minimising disruption for consumers in the mutual interests of both sides. The government’s White Paper sets out proposals for the future relationship we want to build with the European Union, including new arrangements for services and digital sectors. The government published a technical notice on 13th September 2018 which provides guidance on mobile roaming in the unlikely event that we leave the EU without a deal.

Mobile Phones: Fees and Charges

Hugh Gaffney: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether the negotiations on the UK leaving the EU have included ensuring that mobile phone roaming charges will not be applied to British Citizens after the UK's departure from the EU.

Mr Robin Walker: The government holds regular discussions with the EU on the future economic partnership, covering a wide range of topics. as minimising disruption for consumers is in the mutual interests of both sides. The government’s White Paper sets out proposals for the future relationship we want to build with the European Union, including new arrangements for services and digital sectors. The government published a technical notice on 13th September 2018 which provides guidance on mobile roaming in the unlikely event that we leave the EU without a deal.

Crown Dependencies: Brexit

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the Crown Dependencies of (a) the UK leaving the EU without a deal and (b) the EU accepting the Chequers proposals.

Suella Braverman: The UK Government is committed to engaging fully with the Crown Dependencies as we exit the EU to ensure they are prepared for all exit scenarios and their interests and priorities are properly taken into account. My officials have fortnightly engagements with representatives of the Crown Dependencies and the Minister of State responsible, Robin Walker MP, holds formal quarterly meetings with the Chief Ministers of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.Officials from the UK and Crown Dependency governments have worked together on readiness planning, the transition of International Agreements, and on the drafting of primary and secondary exit legislation, as well as broader discussions on the future EU-UK relationship.

British Nationals Abroad and EU Nationals

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the EU on maintaining the rights of EU citizens resident in the UK and those of UK citizens resident in the EU in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

Suella Braverman: The Prime Minister has been clear that in the unlikely event that we reach March 2019 without agreeing a deal, we want EU citizens to stay and their rights will be protected. Ministers and Ambassadors have been engaging across the EU to stress that we would expect the same treatment for UK nationals in the EU, should we not reach a deal. Most recently Minister Robin Walker stressed this in his engagements in France and Spain.

Brexit

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether the Government has plans to include provisions on the framework for the future relationship with the European Union in the proposals for an EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

Chris Heaton-Harris: No. The EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill will only implement the Withdrawal Agreement. However the Bill will only be introduced following Parliament’s approval of the final deal covering both the withdrawal arrangements and the framework for the future relationship.As the Prime Minister made clear in her Florence speech last year, the EU is not “legally able to conclude an agreement with the UK as an external partner while it is itself still part of the European Union”. Therefore, the Government will introduce further separate legislation where it is needed to implement the future relationship into UK law, ensuring Parliament is fully involved.

Northern Ireland: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, when the Government plans to publish its proposals for a Northern Ireland backstop after the UK leaves the EU.

Chris Heaton-Harris: In June the Government set out its proposals for a Temporary Customs Arrangement. After Salzburg, the Prime Minister made clear that the Government would bring forward further proposals on the backstop, which it has done in the context of our negotiations with the EU. The EU has responded positively and discussions are ongoing.We have always said that we are not going to provide a running commentary on talks. We have made progress but there remain a number of unresolved issues relating to the backstop. We are working hard to agree a backstop which upholds the commitments both sides made in December, which would of course be published.

Northern Ireland: Borders

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, if the Government will adhere to the commitments on the Northern Ireland border which the UK and EU made in the December 2017 Joint Report in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The proposals we have put forward for both the future economic partnership with the EU, and for the Northern Ireland backstop, would allow both sides to meet our commitments to the people of Northern Ireland in full, and we are working hard to get a deal on that basis. The Prime Minister has been clear that a negotiated deal is the best outcome for the UK and EU, and that it is achievable.In the unlikely event of no deal, we have been clear that we will do everything in our power to avoid a hard border, and that we must continue to respect our unique relationship with Ireland, with whom we share a land border and who are co-signatories of the Belfast Agreement.

Northern Ireland: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, with reference to the December 2017 Joint Report and the Northern Ireland backstop arrangement, what the Government’s definition is of the term full alignment.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The UK has always said our goal is to meet the commitments we set out in the December Joint Report through the overall UK-EU future partnership; the proposals set out in this White Paper would enable us to do just that. We will also fulfil our commitments to agree a backstop for Northern Ireland in which the UK will maintain full alignment with those rules of the internal market and the customs union which, now or in the future, support North-South co-operation, the all-island economy and the protection of the 1998 [Belfast] Agreement.We’re working hard to agree a backstop which upholds the commitments both sides made in December, which would of course be published. The details and scope of any alignment to be provided for remains a matter for negotiation.

British Nationals Abroad

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Austria, (b) Belgium, (c) Bulgaria, (d) Croatia, (e) Cyprus, (f) The Czech Republic, (g) Denmark, (h) Estonia, (i) Finland, (j) France, (k) Germany, (l) Greece, (m) Hungary, (n) Ireland, (o) Italy, (p) Latvia, (q) Lithuania, (r) Luxembourg, (s) Malta, (t) The Netherlands, (u) Poland, (v) Portugal, (w) Romania, (x) Slovakia, (y) Slovenia, (z) Spain and (i) Sweden on maintaining the rights of UK nationals in those member states in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Suella Braverman: Ministers and officials from DExEU and other Government departments speak regularly to Ministers and senior officials from other Member States about the issues related to our exit from the EU, including on the rights of UK nationals in the EU.We are urging our EU counterparts to offer the same reassurance to UK nationals living in EU Member States as the Prime Minister recently gave to EU citizens in the UK. We will also ensure all relevant information is available to UK nationals overseas in the most transparent and accessible way.For information on living in a specific Member State citizens should refer to the “Living in Guides” on gov.uk.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Contracts

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether gagging clauses have been used in contracts drawn up between his Department and any charities, voluntary sector organisations, social enterprises or companies with the intention of stopping any criticism of Ministers of his Department.

Chris Heaton-Harris: DExEU have not issued any clauses of this kind with the type of organisations described. We can confirm that our only known commercial relationship with voluntary sector organisations is for an internal volunteering service for civil servants.

Treasury

Treasury: Northern Ireland

Layla Moran: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many and which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have visited the Irish border in the last 12 months; when those visits took place; and how long they spent at the border in each of those visits.

Mel Stride: Treasury Ministers have undertaken a wide range of visits across the United Kingdom, including to Northern Ireland, in the last 12 months. Treasury officials have also visited Northern Ireland, including the land border with Ireland, to help further develop Government policy.

Tax Avoidance

Grahame Morris: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many IR35 tribunal cases HMRC has lost in the last 12 months.

Mel Stride: There have been three off-payroll working (IR35) tribunal cases in the last 12 months. HMRC lost two of these cases. The vast majority of the decisions on status are straightforward and do not involve litigation. It is right that HMRC litigates more finely balanced cases, particularly where they are complex or unusual.

Mental Health Services: Children and Young People

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the implications for his policy of the recent University of Birmingham report entitled Investing in a Resilient Generation which found that an almost additional £1.77 billion is required to scale up child and adolescent mental health services in order to ensure that every child receives support; and if he will make a statement.

Elizabeth Truss: Spending on mental health is planned to increase to a record £11.86 billion in 2017/18. The government has published proposals to improve mental health support for children and young people in England, and over £300 million has been made available to fund these.

Capital Gains Tax

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the effect on UK-resident businesses of the proposal on deferred payment of capital gains tax for (a) trusts ceasing to be UK resident and (b) non-UK resident individuals who trade through a UK branch or agency as set out in clause 36 of the draft Finance Bill.

Mel Stride: Clause 36 is not expected to impact on UK-resident businesses.Those who are moving trusts out of the UK and non-resident individuals who defer capital gains tax as a result of the measure will still pay the same amount of tax, but over a longer period with interest charged on outstanding amounts.

Multinational Companies: Taxation

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the number of additional companies that will be within scope of Chapter 8 of Part 6A of the Taxation (International and Other Provisions) Act 2010 in the event that new subsection 259HA(5)(b) is added as set out in clause 38 of the draft Finance Bill.

Mel Stride: This measure ensures that the UK hybrid and other mismatch rules are fully compliant with the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive, ATAD. No estimate has been made in relation to the number of additional companies that may be within scope of the hybrid mismatch rules as a result of this proposed amendment. Clause 38 introduces a minor change to the rules in relation to permanent establishments. The expected yield from this change is negligible. HMRC are not aware of current schemes or arrangements which would fall within the scope of the hybrid mismatch rules as a result of this proposed change to Chapter 8 of Part 6A TIOPA 2010. In addition, the existing hybrid mismatch rules already deal with the majority of mismatches involving permanent establishments.

Taxation: EU Law

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the implications are for the UK’s participation in (a) EU Council Directive 2017/1852 and (b) other tax dispute resolution mechanisms after the UK has left the EU.

Mel Stride: The Government intends to implement the EU Council Directive 2017/1852 on or before 30 June 2019 in accordance with the terms of the anticipated implementation period starting on 30 March 2019. The UK is a signatory to the convention on the elimination of double taxation in connection with the adjustment of profits of associated enterprises (90/463/EEC). The current term of the Convention expires in November 2019. The Government does not anticipate that exiting the EU will impact on dispute resolution mechanisms contained in our current bilateral tax treaties.

Taxation: EU Law

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the number of (a) people and (b) businesses that will be affected by the implementation of EU Directive 2018/822 amending Directive 2011/16/EU as set out in clause 40 of the draft Finance Bill.

Mel Stride: As explained in the policy paper published on 6 July 2018, clause 40 is purely enabling legislation. Work on the implementing regulations is at an early stage, so no impacting work has yet been completed. A tax information and impact note will be published which will set out the impact of the implementing regulations in 2019.

Bank Services

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the UK will retain its membership of the Single Euro Payments Area after exiting the European Union.

John Glen: The Single Euro Payments Area – SEPA – enables efficient, low cost euro payments to be made across EEA Member States and with third-countries who meet the governing body’s third-country access criteria. SEPA represents a key enabler of trade between the UK, EU, and existing third-country members, and the government therefore intends to retain relevant EU payments law in such a way that it maximises the prospects of the UK remaining in SEPA.

Treasury: Social Media

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much his Department has spent on promoted content on (a) Twitter, (b) Facebook and (c) Instagram in each month since June 2017.

Robert Jenrick: The Treasury has not made any payments to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. The Treasury has not spent any money through the government media buying agency Carat since June 2017.

Loans: Gambling

Dr David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions has he had with the Financial Conduct Authority on the eligibility criteria used by lenders to tackle lending to people with that are addicted to gambling.

John Glen: The Regulation of consumer credit is a matter for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The government has given the FCA strong powers to protect consumers. FCA rules are based on the principle that money should only be lent to a consumer if they can afford to repay it. The rules set out what is expected of firms, and the sanctions if they lend irresponsibly. The FCA requires all lenders to treat customers fairly, and to establish appropriate policies for dealing with vulnerable customers. Treasury ministers and officials meet regularly with the FCA, and the government will continue to work closely with the FCA to ensure all customers are treated fairly.

Home Shopping: Taxation

Jim McMahon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the merits of introducing an internet or online sales tax.

Mel Stride: The Government has made clear through HM Treasury position papers that international corporate tax rules need to be updated to reflect the value digital businesses create value. Pending global reform those papers also set out the Government’s receptiveness to exploring interim measures to tax certain digital businesses. The Government has also provided support for all businesses through, for example, reforms and reductions to business rates worth over £10bn by 2023.

Financial Services: Tribunals

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of establishing a financial services tribunal.

John Glen: The Government recognises how important it is for small businesses to have access to the mechanisms they need to settle disputes fairly, should they ever need to make a complaint about their bank. The Government welcomes the FCA’s policy statement on widening SMEs’ access to the Financial Ombudsman Service, as well as the work being conducted in this area by UK Finance and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fair Business Banking, and will consider their conclusions this Autumn.

Financial Services: Regulation

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of amending the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 to include unregulated financial activity.

John Glen: The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 specifies the activities that fall within the scope of UK financial services regulation. The Government continues to keep those activities that fall within the scope of the Regulated Activities Order under review.

Beer: Excise Duties

Jo Stevens: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has made any assessment of the effect of beer duty on the viability of independent pubs.

Robert Jenrick: The impact of a change to beer duty is considered at each fiscal event, including its effect on pubs and the wider economy

European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018

Mr William Wragg: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many statutory instruments required for the implementation of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 have been (a) produced in draft form and (b) approved by his Department.

John Glen: Every statutory instrument is approved and signed by a Minister. All negative and affirmative (draft) statutory instruments are published on legislation.gov.uk, and the Government has committed that statutory instruments relating to EU Exit will be clearly titled.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Nuisance Calls

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when his Department will respond to the consultation on taking tougher action against directors whose companies are responsible for breaches of legislation in relation to nuisance calls and electronic messages.

Margot James: The Government's consultation which sought views on tackling nuisance calls and messages by taking action against rogue directors, was open for 12-weeks from 30 May to 21 August 2018. We have analysed the responses to the consultation and will be publishing the Government's response shortly.

Nuisance Calls

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions his Department has had with the Home Office on measures to tackle vishing.

Margot James: The Government takes all types of fraud extremely seriously, including vishing. The Home Office holds responsibility for the Joint Fraud Taskforce and Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime where fraud should be reported. Action Fraud has produced guidance on its website to help individuals and organisations prevent fraud.

Football: Governing Bodies

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of (a) the response of stakeholders to the 2011 report of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on football governance and (b) other aspects of that governance.

Tracey Crouch: The football authorities in England have responded to the governance challenges put to them by the Commons Digital Culture, Media and Sport Committee in 2011. The Football Association has reformed its Board and Council to meet the requirements of the UK Sports Governance Code published in 2016. The Code requires all sport National Governing Bodies to have in place appropriate levels of transparency, accountability and financial rigour. Working with the football authorities and supporter groups, the Government’s Expert Working Group on supporter interests, has improved the relationship between clubs and fans. The FA has introduced a club licensing system in the National League System covering the areas of legal; ownership and control; integrity; finance; and grounds and security of tenure. The Premier League and English Football League that take responsibility for these matters for clubs in their competition now require business cases and proof of funds from owners. Salary caps and transfer embargoes, together with financial fair play rules has made the financial state of clubs in this country better than at any time over the last 20 years. However we are not complacent and we will continue to work with football to ensure its governance meets the future challenges of the game.

Sports: Northern Ireland

Gavin Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what guidance he provides to Sport GB on national representation relating to obligations under the Good Friday Agreement.

Tracey Crouch: Sporting matters are devolved, and eligibility and selection for international competition remain matters for the relevant sports authorities. However, sporting organisations have an important role to play in contributing to inclusion in Northern Ireland and across the United Kingdom. The people of Northern Ireland have a proud history of sporting achievements gained while representing both the United Kingdom and Ireland.As outlined in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, both the UK Government and UK Sport recognise the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose, and accordingly confirm that their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship is accepted by both Governments and would not be affected by any future change in the status of Northern Ireland. This right extends to athletes from Northern Ireland having the choice to represent Team GB or Ireland at a national level in their given sport should they wish to do so. At times this will be subject to the overarching rules applied by the individual Governing bodies of the sport.

Northern Ireland Boxing Association

Gavin Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he recognises the Northern Ireland Boxing Association; and whether he supports that association's full participation in boxing throughout the UK.

Tracey Crouch: Recognition of sport governing bodies is a matter for the sports councils. Sport England, Sport Scotland, Sport Wales, Sport Northern Ireland and UK Sport work collectively to determine recognition. I understand the process for potential recognition for the Northern Ireland Boxing Association has been affected by the current situation with the Stormont government. Sport is devolved and this is a matter for the Northern Ireland authorities.

Internet: Security

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Government's press release of 14 October 2018, Leading tech companies support code to strengthen security of internet-connected devices, what plans the Government has to increase engagement with tech companies to facilitate the implementation of the code of practice.

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Government's press release of 14 October 2018, Leading tech companies support code to strengthen security of internet-connected devices, for what reasons compliance with the code of practice is voluntary.

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Government's press release of 14 October 2018, Leading tech companies support code to strengthen security of internet-connected devices, what targets the Government has adopted for the uptake of the voluntary code of practice.

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Government's press release of 14 October 2018 entitled Leading tech companies support code to strengthen security of internet-connected devices, what steps the Government plans to take against companies that do not abide by the voluntary code of practice.

Margot James: The guidelines within the Code of Practice bring together what is widely considered good practice in Internet of Things (IoT) security. As a voluntary document, it provides clarity to industry on the steps that are most important in protecting consumers’ online security and privacy.  We continue to welcome public pledges from manufacturers to implement the Code for their products, with two major companies having already made such a commitment. The Government’s ambition is to achieve the best possible industry uptake of the Code and we will continue to monitor progress in this area. We remain in discussions with a number of manufacturers and are working towards securing additional industry pledges in the future.  The Government has also begun work to place appropriate aspects of the Code on a regulatory footing with further details to be shared in due course.  The UK Government is taking a lead on this issue. To make it easier for manufacturers around the world to implement the Code, we have developed an open data JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) file, available here (https://iotsecuritymapping.uk), and translated the Code into a number of different languages on Gov.uk. We also recently begun the process of developing a global standard through the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) based on our Code of Practice and through this work we expect to achieve greater industry uptake of the guidelines within the Code.  In the coming months Government will be driving forward work to bring more manufacturers on board and has engaged with a number of UK and European manufacturers and industry bodies to highlight the Code of Practice and discuss how each guideline could be embedded within the design of their products.

Internet: Regulation

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when the White Paper on online harm is planned to be published.

Margot James: We expect the White Paper on online harms to be published in winter 2018/2019.

Leader of the House

Members: Absent Voting

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Leader of the House, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on proxy voting for MPs; and when she plans to allocate parliamentary time to debate the matter.

Andrea Leadsom: I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on parliamentary business and I am committed to ensuring that this Government does all it can to allow new parents to spend that vital early time with their babies. We had a valuable debate during the September sitting and as I confirmed in the debate, I will bring forward a substantive motion on the matter of proxy voting in due course.